A.M. Best Places Ratings of SCHWARZMEER UND OSTSEE Versicherungs-AG Under Review With Developing Implications.

OLDWICK, N.J. -- A.M. Best Co. has placed the financial strength rating (FSR) of B++ (Good) and the issuer credit rating (ICR) "bbb" of SCHWARZMEER UND OSTSEE Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft SOVAG (SOVAG) (Germany) under review with developing implications.

SOVAG's ratings were placed under review following the acquisition of 54.1% of SOVAG's share capital by Volga Resources SICAV-SIF S.A. (Volga Resources), a Luxembourg-based investment fund. The transaction has been cleared by the German Federal Supervisory Authority (BaFin); however, it is still subject to approval from the German Anti-Trust Authority (Bundeskartellamt). The rating will remain under review pending completion of A.M. Best's analysis of the impact of the new ownership on SOVAG.

For Best's Credit Ratings, an overview of the rating process and rating methodologies, please visit www.ambest.com/ratings.

The principal methodologies used in determining these ratings, including any additional methodologies and factors that may have been considered, can be found at www.ambest.com/ratings/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. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.