2008-08-06 23:42:03 -

www.ambest.com - A.M. Best Co. has commented that the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and the issuer credit ratings of "a-" of AIX Group and its two pool members, NOVA Casualty Company (Buffalo, NY) and its wholly owned subsidiary, AIX Specialty Insurance Company (Delaware), are unchanged following the announcement that The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (Worcester, MA) (NYSE: THG)

has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire AIX Holdings, Inc., a privately held insurance holding company based in Windsor, CT.

The acquisition is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close during fourth quarter 2008.

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:
Joseph M. Roethel, 908-439-2200, ext. 5630
joseph.roethel@ambest.com
or
Daniel J. Ryan, 908-439-2200, ext. 5325
daniel.ryan@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