A.M. Best Downgrades Ratings of Vantapro Specialty Insurance Company and Places Under Review.

OLDWICK, N.J. -- A.M. Best Co. has downgraded the financial strength rating (FSR) to A- (Excellent) from A (Excellent) and issuer credit rating (ICR) to "a-" from "a" of Vantapro Specialty Insurance Company (Vantapro) (Chicago, IL) (formerly Midway Insurance Company of Illinois) (Midway). The ratings have been placed under review with negative implications.

Vantapro's ratings were based upon a 100% reinsurance cession to its former parent, Fireman's Fund Insurance Company (FFIC) (Novato, CA). In connection with the acquisition of Midway by Darwin National Assurance Company (DNA), the lead member of the Darwin Group (Darwin), which is rated A- (Excellent), FFIC reinsured and indemnified Midway from all remaining liabilities and obligations as of November 30, 2007. Midway had not written new and renewal premiums since 2002. In February 2008, Midway was renamed Vantapro Specialty Insurance Company.

The management of Darwin Professional Underwriters, Inc. (Wilmington, DE) (NYSE: DR), the publicly traded parent of Darwin, has filed for regulatory approval to redomesticate Vantapro to Arkansas from Illinois, and shortly thereafter, management plans to implement a reinsurance agreement between DNA and Vantapro, similar to the reinsurance agreement currently in place between DNA and its other wholly owned subsidiary, Darwin Select Insurance Company. Once the reinsurance agreement has been approved and implemented, A.M. Best will likely affirm and remove the ratings from under review.

Management is seeking to obtain additional license approvals for Vantapro in a number of states to enhance distribution flexibility for Darwin's products. Vantapro will be available to offer coverage in situations where other Darwin insurance companies cannot due to its existing program relationships or other contractual constraints.

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.