Amwest elects Bunner and Schultz to board of directors.

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 20, 1995--Richard H. Savage, chairman and co-chief executive officer of Amwest Insurance Group Inc. (ASE:AMW), announced the elections of Bruce A. Bunner and Charles L. Schultz to its board of directors.

Bunner retired in 1994 as chairman of Centre Reinsurance Co. of New York, one of the 20 largest reinsurers in the world. Previously, he had served with KPMG Peat Marwick for 22 years. There, he rose to become a partner in the firm's National Insurance Practice, serving its major life, property and casualty, insurance and brokerage clients.

In addition, Bunner served as California state insurance commissioner from 1983 to 1986, responsible for regulatory oversight of all insurance companies, agents and brokers in the largest insurance market in the nation.

Schultz is currently a director of U.S. Facilities Corp. of Costa Mesa, Calif. He retired in 1993 as senior vice president, finance, and chief financial officer of Farmers Group Inc., where he had served for 19 years. Previously, Schultz had been with Great American Insurance Co. in senior management positions from 1950 to 1974.

Their appointments increase the number of board members to 10, five of whom are nonemployee directors.

``We are excited about the addition of Mr. Bunner and Mr. Schultz to our board of directors,'' said Savage. ``Their tremendous background in the insurance industry will be a strong resource of leadership as Amwest continues its growth. We also look forward to the contribution they will make in helping us guide Amwest's long-term plan to diversify into other areas of insurance.''

Amwest Insurance Group is the parent company of Amwest Surety Insurance Co., a Woodland Hills-based insurance company specializing in surety bonds, including contract, license and permit, and sales- tax bonds. The largest underwriter of specialty surety bonds in the nation, Amwest has 33 branch offices nationwide to serve insurance agents and brokers.

Founded in 1970, Amwest is publicly traded on the American Stock Exchange, is Treasury-listed and is rated ``A'' (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co.

CONTACT: Amwest Insurance Group Inc., Woodland Hills

Steven R. Kay, 818/592-3200

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