A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Brokers National Life Assurance Company

OLDWICK, N.J.--(Business Wire)--
A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of B+ (Good) and issuer
credit rating of "bbb-" of Brokers National Life Assurance Company (Brokers
National) (Sherwood, AR). The outlook for both ratings is stable. Brokers
National is a wholly owned subsidiary of BNL Financial Corporation (Des Moines,
IA).

The rating affirmations reflect Brokers National`s maintenance of profitable
operating results during difficult economic times while competing in a very
competitive dental insurance market. The company`s operating gains have been the
primary contributor to its capital growth.

Brokers National has continued to focus its efforts on increasing production and
distribution through new partnerships. A.M. Best notes the vast majority of the
company`s revenue is generated from a single line of business. Historically, BNL
Financial Corporation has been dependent on dividend payments from Brokers
National to help service previous debt retirement, repurchase of company stock
and funding general corporate expenses.

For Best`s Credit Ratings, an overview of the rating process and rating
methodologies, please visit www.ambest.com/ratings.

The principal methodologies used in determining these ratings, including any
additional methodologies and factors that may have been considered, can be found
at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology.

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is a global full-service credit rating
organization dedicated to serving the financial and health care service
industries, including insurance companies, banks, hospitals and health care
system providers. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

A.M. Best
Analysts:
Jeffrey Lane, 908-439-2200, ext. 5567
jeffrey.lane@ambest.com
Carl Austin, 908-439-2200, ext. 5500
carl.austin@ambest.com
or
Public Relations:
Jim Peavy, 908-439-2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com
Rachelle Morrow, 908-439-2200, ext. 5378
rachelle.morrow@ambest.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009