OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A- (Excellent) and the issuer credit rating (ICR) of "a-" of AmTrust Group (AmTrust) (New York, NY). The ratings apply to AmTrust International Insurance, Ltd. (AII) (Bermuda), Technology Insurance Company, Inc. (Technology) (New Hampshire), Rochdale Insurance Company (Rochdale) (New York, NY) and Wesco Insurance Company (Wesco). A.M. Best also has assigned an FSR of A- (Excellent) and an ICR of "a-"to AmTrust International Underwriters Limited (Dublin, Ireland) (AIUL), which operates through an intercompany quota share reinsurance arrangement with AII. Concurrently, A.M. Best has assigned an ICR of "bbb-" to the parent holding company, AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. (AFSI) (NASDAQ: AFSI - News). The outlook for all ratings is stable.

The rating reflects the consolidated group's solid balance sheet strength, sustained strong operating performance and the benefits derived from AFSI including the commitment to maintain sufficient capital, as well as access to additional capital to support the group's expanding operations. This support was evidenced through infusions of the proceeds of a private placement offering in combination with issuances of trust preferred securities.

Partially offsetting these positive factors are the group's aggressive growth in both premium volumes and associated liabilities in recent years, the inherent risk in integrating new businesses acquired through renewal rights on existing books of business and the potential strain that this growth places on the group's risk-adjusted capitalization and infrastructure. Despite these concerns, the outlook is supported by the group's strong operating results, proven access to capital and commitment to prudent underwriting.

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 full-service credit rating organization dedicated to serving the financial services industries, including the banking and insurance sectors. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

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Source: A.M. Best Company