A.M. Best Places Ratings of Patrons Mutual Group of Connecticut Under Review.

OLDWICK, N.J. -- A.M. Best Co. has placed the financial strength rating (FSR) of B++ (Good) and the issuer credit ratings (ICR) of "bbb" of Patrons Mutual Group of Connecticut (Patrons Mutual Group) (Glastonbury, CT) under review with positive implications. Patrons Mutual Group consists of Patrons Mutual Insurance Company of Connecticut, Litchfield Mutual Fire Insurance Company and Patrons Fire Insurance Company of Rhode Island.

These rating actions are the result of the announcement that Patrons Mutual Group has entered into an agreement to be affiliated with State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company (State Auto) (Columbus, OH).

A.M. Best anticipates that State Auto's technology and financial strength will expand Patrons Mutual Group's business potential while enhancing the geographic spread and providing a new source of profitable growth for State Auto.

Patrons Mutual Group markets its personal, commercial, farm and specialty insurance products in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont.

State Auto is a member of State Auto Insurance Companies (Columbus, OH), which is primarily engaged in writing personal and business insurance products exclusively through approximately 3,200 independent insurance agencies in 29 states.

The FSRs and ICRs of State Auto, State Auto Insurance Companies and its remaining member companies are unchanged following the announcement of the planned affiliation.

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.