2008-08-06 23:41:02 -

www.ambest.com - A.M. Best Co. has commented that all ratings and outlooks of The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (THG) (Worcester, MA) (NYSE:THG) and its property/casualty insurance members remain unchanged following the announcement that it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase all of the stock of AIX Holdings, Inc. (AIX Holdings) (Windsor, CT). This transaction is subject to regulatory

approvals and is expected to close during fourth quarter 2008.

Although there are potential integration and execution risks with any transaction, A.M. Best anticipates the overall operational impact will be modest given THG's previous acquisitions. In addition, THG has produced favorable operating earnings in recent years and maintains excellent 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