2008-07-31 23:50:04 -

www.ambest.com - A.M. Best Co. has commented that all ratings and outlooks of The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (THG) (NYSE:THG) and its property/casualty insurance members remain unchanged following the announcement that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell First Allmerica Financial Life Insurance Company (FAFLIC) to the Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. THG and FAFLIC are both domiciled in

Worcester, MA.

This transaction is expected to close by the end of 2008, subject to regulatory approval. Other than transaction costs and related charges, A.M. Best anticipates minimal residual impact to THG's earnings or risk-adjusted capitalization.

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

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 Co.
Analysts
Frederick DeLeon, 908-439-2200, ext. 5175
frederick.deleon@ambest.com
or
Gary Davis, 908-439-2200, ext. 5665
gary.davis@ambest.com
or
Public Relations
Jim Peavy, 908-439-2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com
or
Rachelle Morrow, 908-439-2200, ext. 5378
rachelle.morrow@ambest.com