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For Immediate Release - from A.M. Best Company April 23, 2009 A.M. Best Upgrades Ratings of SureTec Insurance Company   CONTACTS: Analyst(s) Helene De Luca (908) 439-2200, ext. 5712 helene.deluca@ambest.com Gerard Altonji (908) 439-2200, ext. 5626 gerard.altonji@ambest.com Public Relations Jim Peavy (908) 439-2200, ext. 5644 james.peavy@ambest.com Rachelle Morrow (908) 439-2200, ext. 5378 rachelle.morrow@ambest.com OLDWICK, N.J., APRIL 23, 2009 A.M. Best Co. has upgraded the financial strength rating to A (Excellent) from A- (Excellent) and issuer credit rating to "a" from "a-" of SureTec Insurance Company (SureTec) (Houston, TX). The outlook for both ratings is stable. The rating actions reflect SureTec's strengthened capitalization and improved financial flexibility, which have been built on a foundation of continued low underwriting leverage, profitable underwriting results, strong cash flows, low asset leverage and conservative investment and reserving practices. Additional strengths for the ratings, which enhance the stability of the company's underwriting earnings, include SureTec's well-established producer/agency relationships, strong underwriting expertise in the contract surety market, and technological enhancements that boost risk management and support geographic and product diversification. These positive factors are partially offset by SureTec's rapid growth prior to 2008, its somewhat limited historical experience and the risk factors associated with geographic and product expansion as the company grows its business. Nevertheless, SureTec has demonstrated its ability to create a sustainable underwriting and risk mitigation infrastructure, which supports its proven ability to manage its growth and generate strong operating returns. The stable outlook reflects A.M. Best's expectations that, despite the ongoing economic downturn, SureTec will continue to produce healthy underwriting results and actively manage the risks associated with its geographic and product expansion. For Best's Credit Ratings, an overview of the rating process and rating methodologies, please visit Best's Ratings & Analysis. The principal methodologies used in determining these ratings, including any additional methodologies and factors that may have been considered, can be found at Best's Credit Rating 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. View a list of companies related to this press release. The list will include Best's Ratings along with links to additional company specific information including related news and reports. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A.M. Best’s credit ratings are independent and objective opinions, not statements of fact. A.M. Best is not an Investment Advisor, does not offer investment advice of any kind, nor does the company or its Ratings Analysts offer any form of structuring or financial advice. A.M. Best’s credit opinions are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold securities, or to make any other investment decisions. A.M. Best receives compensation for interactive rating services provided to organizations that it rates. A.M. Best may also receive compensation from rated entities for non-rating related services or products offered by A.M. Best. A.M. Best does not offer consulting or advisory services. For more information regarding A.M. Best’s rating process, including handling of confidential (non-public) information, independence, and avoidance of conflicts of interest, please read the A.M. Best Code of Conduct.   SureTec Contact: John Knox, Jr., Chairman/CEO 713-683-1471 (Direct) jknox@suretec.com * * * * *