A.M. Best Assigns Ratings to Lightyear Delos Group

OLDWICK, N.J., JULY 02, 2007 — A.M. Best Co. has assigned a financial strength rating (FSR) of A− (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of "a−" to the newly formed group, Lightyear Delos Group and its members. The group consists of Delos Insurance Company (Delos), which previously had a stand-alone FSR of A− (Excellent), and its newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary, Naxos Insurance Company (Naxos). All companies are domiciled in Wilmington, DE. The outlook for all ratings is stable.

The ratings reflect the group's strong risk–adjusted capital accumulation projections set forth by management. In addition, the ratings recognize the successful track record of the group’s executive team in managing profitable insurance company operations.

The group’s focus is on business produced by program managers who possess proven underwriting expertise and servicing capabilities. Targetted classes include intermediate tail specialty commercial lines, commercial auto, professional liability, accident and health and personal lines. The formation of Naxos expands the group’s operations into the U.S. surplus lines market.

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Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is a full–service credit rating organization dedicated to serving the financial services industries, including the banking and insurance sectors. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.