A.M. Best Places Ratings of SUA Insurance Company Under Review With Positive Implications

A.M. Best Co. has placed the financial strength rating of B+ (Good) and issuer credit rating of “bbb-” of SUA Insurance Company (SUA) (Chicago, IL) under review with positive implications.

These rating actions follow the announcement that a definitive agreement has been entered into for the acquisition of SUA’s parent company, Specialty Underwriters’ Alliance, Inc. (Chicago, IL) (NASDAQ:SUAI), by Tower Group, Inc. (Tower) (headquartered in New York, NY). The acquisition will allow SUA to better leverage its strong distribution network and expand its business opportunities through Tower’s higher rated paper. Management of Tower also plans on adding SUA into the existing Tower pool. The deal is expected to close by year-end 2009.

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

The principal methodologies used in determining these ratings, including any additional methodologies and factors, which 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.