Insurance Newswire
The Life Density Insurance Market For The Czech Republic Is Envisaged To Rise From US$208.42 Per Capita In 2007 To US$280.00 Per Capita In 2012
DUBLIN, Ireland-(Business Wire)-July 4, 2008 - Research and Markets , by far the largest player in the Czech Republic, both the life and non-life segment in terms of premiums written, is Ceska Poistovna, which had almost a third of all premiums written in 2004. However, despite being the largest...
AEGON and Right To Play Announce Global Partnership
THE HAGUE, The Netherlands, July 4 PRNewswire-FirstCall — AEGON N.V. and the international humanitarian organization Right To Play announce a new global partnership to extend the organization's mission to help children in deprived areas of Sudan, Uganda, Ghana and China. AEGON N.V...
The Principal Financial Group Foundation, Inc. Pledges $1 Million to Embrace Iowa - 2008 Iowa Disaster Fund
DES MOINES, Iowa-(Business Wire)-July 3, 2008 - The Principal Financial Group Foundation, Inc. pledged $1 million to the Embrace Iowa - 2008 Iowa Disaster Fund, a newly established private-sector effort initiated by a request from Governor Chet Culver, which provides assistance through grants to...
/C O R R E C T I O N -- PMI Mortgage Insurance Co./
In the news release, PMI Summer 2008 Risk Index Indicates Risk Intensifying in Areas With Previous Rapid Home Price Growth, issued Tuesday, July 1, by PMI Mortgage Insurance Co. over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the tenth line item, "Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton; OR-WA," should...
The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company Renews Agreement with Audatex for Auto Physical Damage Solutions
SAN DIEGO-(Business Wire)-July 3, 2008 - Audatex, a Solera company and the only global claims solutions provider serving the automotive industry, today announced, that The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company (The Dominion) has signed a multi-year renewal agreement with Audatex North...
Regence Wins Four International Telly Awards for Health and Wellness Videos
PORTLAND, Ore., July 3 PRNewswire — Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon announces that it has won four bronze (second-place) Telly Awards for health and wellness videos it created and produced for myRegence.com, a health-focused Web site for Regence members. The Telly Awards are...
BestWeek: For Reinsurers, 2009 Renewals Will Hinge on Hurricane Season, Economic Downturn
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-July 3, 2008 - The course of the softening global reinsurance market will depend heavily on how the summer Atlantic hurricane season develops and what impact that will have on renewals negotiations heading into 2009, according to a story in BestWeek Europe. And more...
Max Specialty Insurance Company Adds Colorado, is Now an Eligible Surplus Lines Insurer in 48 States
RICHMOND, Va.-(Business Wire)-July 3, 2008 - Stephen J. Vaccaro, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Max Specialty Insurance Company, an excess and surplus lines company headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, today announced that, with the addition of Colorado, Max Specialty is now an...
Pennsylvania Medical Society and AARP Criticize Senator Specter for Blocking Bill to Protect Access to Doctors and Improve Medicare
Groups Call on Senator Specter to Reconsider and Support Bill that Stops Cuts to Doctors and Keeps Medicare Fair HARRISBURG, Pa., July 3 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Gridlock has paralyzed the U.S. Senate, derailing a critical bipartisan bill that would have stopped a 10 percent cut to...
A.M. Best Places Ratings of The Cincinnati Financial Corporation and Its Subsidiaries Under Review With Negative Implications
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-July 3, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has placed the financial strength ratings (FSR) of A++ (Superior) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of "aa+" of The Cincinnati Insurance Companies (CIC) and its property/casualty members under review with negative implications. Concurrently...
A. M. Best Comments on Celtic Insurance Company's Under Review Status
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-July 3, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has commented that the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit rating of "a-" of Celtic Insurance Company (Celtic) (Chicago, IL) remain under review with negative implications. On July 1, 2008, Celtic Group, Inc...
Ambac Announces Board Authorization for $50 Million Stock Repurchase Program
NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-July 3, 2008 - Ambac Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: ABK) (Ambac) announced today that its Board of Directors has authorized up to $50 million for share repurchases of its common stock. The repurchase of shares under the Stock Repurchase Program is conditioned up the completion...
A.M. Best Comments on UnitedHealth Group Inc.'s Earnings Guidance and Settlements
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-July 3, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has commented that the ratings of UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UnitedHealth) (Minnetonka, MN) (NYSE: UNH) and its subsidiaries remain unchanged following the company's release of a revision to earnings guidance and reduced second quarter and...
Fitch Comments on UnitedHealth Group's Earnings Revision
CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-July 3, 2008 - Fitch Ratings is taking no action on the ratings of UnitedHealth Group (UnitedHealth) and its insurance operating subsidiaries following the company's downward earnings revision this morning and agreement in principal to settle two pending class action...
Fitch Ratings Withdraws Various Health Q-IFS Ratings
CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-July 3, 2008 - Fitch Ratings has withdrawn its quantitative insurer financial strength (Q-IFS) ratings on Unison Family Health Plan of Pennsylvania, Inc. and Unison Health Plan of Pennsylvania, Inc. because the health insurance companies no longer meet Fitch's criteria to...
EMC Insurance Group Inc. Revises Guidance as a Result of Record Storm Losses in the Midwest and Comments on Recent Midwest Floods
DES MOINES, Iowa-(Business Wire)-July 3, 2008 - EMC Insurance Group Inc. (Nasdaq:EMCI) today announced that as a result of a record amount of Midwest storm losses during the second quarter, including the devastating tornado in Parkersburg, Iowa, management has revised its 2008 operating income(1...
NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) at 48.2%; June Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business(R); Business Activity Index at 49.9%; New Orders Index at 48.6%; Employment Index at 43.8%
TEMPE, Ariz.-(Business Wire)-July 3, 2008 - Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector contracted in June, say the nation's purchasing and supply executives in the latest Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business(R). The report was issued today by Anthony Nieves, C.P.M., CFPM, chair of the...
A.M. Best Assigns Ratings to Sentruity Casualty Company
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-July 3, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has assigned a financial strength rating (FSR) of A- (Excellent) and an issuer credit rating (ICR) of "a-" to Sentruity Casualty Company (Sentruity) (Houston, TX), a wholly owned subsidiary of the privately held GS Administrators, Inc. (GSA...
Paul DeRosa Appointed to Ambac Board of Directors
NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-July 3, 2008 - Ambac Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: ABK) (Ambac) announced today that Paul DeRosa, a principal of Mt. Lucas Management Corporation, a hedge fund management firm located in Princeton, New Jersey, has joined its Board of Directors effective July 7, 2008. The...
Monarch Financial Completes Private Offering and Raises $7.2 Million in Common Stock
CHESAPEAKE, Va., July 3 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Monarch Financial Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: MNRK), parent of Monarch Bank, announced that effective on June 30, 2008, it had sold $2.1 million of common stock in the second closing of a private placement in which it sold a total of 774,110...
AARP, Texas Medical Association Join Forces to Urge Passage of Bill Protecting Access to Doctors and Improving Medicare
Groups representing doctors and beneficiaries criticize Senators Hutchison and Cornyn for blocking bill to protect access to doctors and improve Medicare AUSTIN, Texas, July 3 PRNewswire-USNewswire — AARP Texas joined forces today with the Texas Medical Association to urge Senators Kay...
A.M. Best Special Report: Some Regions Fare Better in Net Interest Rates Than Others
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-July 3, 2008 - The nation's commercial banks have experienced persistent margin compression since the start of 2005 and well into the second quarter of 2008 for a host of different reasons. When the Federal Reserve Board first began raising the short-term target rate in...
To Assist Those Impacted by Disastrous Midwest Storms and Floods in Missouri, Five AXA Financial Insurance Companies Relax Grace Period for Policy Premiums
NEW YORK, July 3 PRNewswire — In an effort to assist in the relief for victims of the Midwest flooding disaster, five AXA Financial, Inc. insurance companies announced today that they have relaxed the grace period for policy premiums for those impacted by the extreme storms and severe...
Pennsylvania Tells Autism Speaks to Stop Talking
PITTSBURGH, July 3 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Yesterday in a historical and unprecedented move, the Pennsylvania legislature voted nearly unanimously in the affirmative for House Bill 1150 to mandate commercial insurance companies to cover some services for children with autism. The bill...
Preliminary Injunction Vacated, TriZetto Sets Date for Adjourned Meeting
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.-(Business Wire)-July 3, 2008 - The TriZetto Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: TZIX) announced today that the Delaware Court of Chancery vacated its earlier order preliminarily enjoining TriZetto from allowing any vote by TriZetto's stockholders upon a proposal to approve the merger pursuant...
Rising Medical Solutions, Inc. Expands Its California Managed Care Services to Include Utilization Review Program
CHICAGO, July 3 PRNewswire — Rising Medical Solutions, Inc. (Rising), a leading medical cost containment and care management organization, has extended its offerings in California to include Utilization Review (UR) services in addition to its Medical Bill Review and Medical Provider...
PartnerRe to Release 2008 Second Quarter and Half Year Results and Host Analyst Conference Call and Webcast
PEMBROKE, Bermuda, July 3 PRNewswire-FirstCall — PartnerRe Ltd. (NYSE: PRE) today announced dates for its 2008 second quarter and half year results press release and conference call. PartnerRe will release its 2008 second quarter and half year results after the market close on Monday...
Cincinnati Financial Corporation Director Appointed as Chief of Navy Reserve, United States Navy
CINCINNATI, July 3 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Cincinnati Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: CINF) today announced that Dirk J. Debbink, a director on the company's board since 2004, has been appointed Vice Admiral and Chief of Navy Reserve, U.S. Navy. Debbink was recalled to active military...
Collision on Wheels Signs Multi-Year Agreement With CCC Information Services Inc.
CHICAGO, July 3 PRNewswire — Seeking to provide its franchises with an intuitive collision estimating solution that can efficiently communicate the repair process, Warren, Michigan-based Collision on Wheels has signed a multi-year agreement with CCC Information Services Inc. Collision...
Farmers Insurance Heritage Center Designed by Craig A. Parkinson
LOS ANGELES, July 3 PRNewswire — What better way to tell the 80-year history of Los Angeles headquartered Farmers(R) Insurance Group of Companies, than to hire award-winning, world-wide-known event designer and builder, Craig Parkinson. Parkinson was asked to design, build and fill a...
Hooper Holmes Announces Sale of Claims Evaluation Division
BASKING RIDGE, N.J., July 3 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Hooper Holmes (Amex: HH) today announced the sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company's Claims Evaluation Division (CED), a unit providing independent medical exams primarily for automobile and workers' compensation...
Protective Schedules Conference Call to Discuss Second Quarter 2008 Financial Results
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - Protective Life Corporation (NYSE:PL) will announce second quarter 2008 results after the market closes on Tuesday, August 5, 2008. The company will hold a conference call for management to discuss second quarter results on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at...
RenaissanceRe Schedules Second Quarter 2008 Financial Results Conference Call
PEMBROKE, Bermuda-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: RNR) will conduct an investment community conference call on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at 9:30 AM ET to discuss its financial results for second quarter 2008, as well as the company's outlook. RenaissanceRe will...
Ariel Reinsurance Company Ltd. Announces Executive Appointments
HAMILTON, Bermuda-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - Ariel Reinsurance Company Ltd. (Ariel Re) is pleased to announce the following executive appointments: George Rivaz has been appointed Chairman of Ariel Re(1). Mr. Rivaz will continue in his current Ariel Group roles as Chairman of Atrium Underwriting...
Glen Bogner Named President of Molina Healthcare of Washington
BOTHELL, Wash.-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - Molina Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:MOH) announced today that Glen H. Bogner has been named president of its health plan subsidiary, Molina Healthcare of Washington. In his new role, Bogner will be responsible for Washington health plan operations, as well...
A.M. Best Removes From Under Review Ratings of SCPIE Companies and Its Members
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has removed from under review with developing implications and affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of B+ (Good) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of "bbb-" of SCPIE Companies (SCPIE) and its three pooled members, led by SCPIE...
AXIS Capital to Host Teleconference to Discuss Second Quarter 2008 Financial Results
PEMBROKE, Bermuda-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - AXIS Capital Holdings Limited ("AXIS Capital") (NYSE: AXS) today announced that it expects to release financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2008, on Monday, August 4, 2008, after the close of the financial markets. John Charman...
Unum Group to Release Second Quarter 2008 Results and Host Conference Call
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - Unum Group (NYSE: UNM) will release its second quarter results on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, at approximately 4 p.m. (Eastern). The earnings news release and the financial supplement will be available in the "Investor Information" section of the...
Willis Acquisition of Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Clears Hart-Scott-Rodino Review
NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - Willis Group Holdings Limited (NYSE: WSH), the global insurance broker, today announced that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has cleared review of Willis' pending acquisition of Hilb Rogal & Hobbs ("HRH") under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust...
Top Massachusetts Communities for Hybrid Vehicles
WORCESTER, Mass.-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - Record-high gas prices across the country are fueling the urge for car owners to identify ways to reduce their gas consumption. As a result, more people in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are considering hybrid vehicles and the number of registered...
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Responds to Attorney General's Complaint, Says Transaction Was Legal and Fully Authorized
DETROIT, July 2 PRNewswire — The Michigan Attorney General announced on July 2 he was filing a lawsuit against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan challenging a capital transaction between BCBSM and Accident Fund. The Attorney General has taken the position that BCBSM is not authorized...
The Principal Financial Group a "Best Place to Work in Information Technology"
DES MOINES, Iowa-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - The Principal Financial Group(R) ranks 26th on this year's top 100 listing of International Data Group's (IDG) Computerworld "Best Places to Work in IT." This marks the seventh consecutive year the financial service company has made the prestigious...
Pinnacle Acquires Beach & Gentry Insurance
NASHVILLE, Tenn.-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc. (Nasdaq/NGS: PNFP) announced today its acquisition of Murfreesboro, Tenn.-based Beach & Gentry Insurance LLC. Terms were not disclosed. Beach & Gentry will merge with Miller & Loughry Insurance &...
AUDIO from Medialink and General Motors: Getting More Mileage from Your Car Insurance
NEW YORK, July 2 PRNewswire — Motorists might decide to drive less just to save money at the pump. But now, vehicle owners who spend less time behind the wheel can see real savings on their insurance bill, too. Listen to this report from General Motors (NYSE: GM) at...
Aon Risk Services Adds Real Estate Industry Vet Laura Novak, Expands Real Estate Risk Management Services
WASHINGTON, July 2 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Aon Risk Services, the retail brokerage and risk management unit of Aon Corporation (NYSE: AOC), has expanded its suite of services to clients in the real estate sector through the addition of Laura Novak to the firm's Washington office as an...
Copart Adds Second Facility in Arkansas
FAIRFIELD, Calif.-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - Copart, Inc. (NASDAQ:CPRT) today announced the opening of a new 20-acre facility in Prairie Grove, Arkansas. This latest addition to Copart's growing footprint marks the company's second facility in Arkansas, the 131st facility in North America, and...
Coalition Calls on MI Legislature to Abandon Blue Cross Legislation
LANSING, Mich., July 2 PRNewswire-USNewswire — In light of today's announcement that Attorney General Mike Cox is filing suit against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM), the Coalition for a Fair and Competitive Insurance Market is calling on the Michigan legislature to drop...
GSFS Risk Retention Group Merges Into Property & Casualty Company - Sentruity Casualty Company
HOUSTON, July 2 PRNewswire — GSFSGroup(R) is proud to announce GSFS Risk Retention Group, Inc. has merged into Sentruity Casualty Company ("Sentruity"), a sister property and casualty insurer. Concurrent with the merger, Sentruity has received a rating of A- (Excellent) from the A.M...
GEICO and NICB consumer alert: Go to VINCheck before you buy that used vehicle
WASHINGTON-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - Vehicle buyers who want to check the safety history of a used vehicle should go to VINCheck(SM) before they buy, advises GEICO. "When a GEICO-insured vehicle is declared a total loss and sold for salvage, we want to be certain that every potential buyer...
Zurich Opens New Offices Established to Serve Growing Needs of Emerging Markets
SCHAUMBURG, Ill.-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - Zurich's Emerging Markets Solutions group has opened additional offices in Asia, Continental Europe and the Americas to better serve the needs of brokers and customers involved in emerging markets. The opening of new offices in Beijing, Frankfurt...
OneBeacon Files $1 Billion Shelf Registration Statement That Also Permits Resale of Class B Shares Held by White Mountains
HAMILTON, Bermuda, July 2 PRNewswire-FirstCall — OneBeacon Insurance Group, Ltd. (NYSE: OB) announced today that it has filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). When declared effective by the SEC, the registration statement will...
Mental Health Treatment: It's Commonly Accepted Yet Not So Easy to Obtain or Understand
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - Seeing a psychologist or other mental health professional isn't an unusual thing; in fact it's relatively common. Nearly three in ten U.S. adults (29%) report that they have received treatment or therapy from a psychologist or other mental health...
Protection Direct Launches New World-Class Customer Service Platform
ST. LOUIS, July 2 PRNewswire — Protection Direct, one of the leading independent brokers of vehicle service contracts, has announced today that it is launching a new customer service platform that it hopes will transform the vehicle service contract industry. The new platform will be...
Barbican Holdings Group Selects AIR Catastrophe Modeling Systems to Evaluate and Manage Global Catastrophe Risk
BOSTON & LONDON-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - AIR Worldwide Corporation (AIR) today announced that Barbican Insurance Group has licensed AIR's catastrophe risk management systems. Barbican trades as Lloyd's Syndicate 1955 ("Barbican") and writes a broad range of Property Direct &...
The Principal Financial Group Takes Some of the Bite Out of Cancer Treatments
DES MOINES, Iowa-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - According to the National Cancer Institute, chemotherapy and head/neck radiation therapy put individuals at risk for oral problems like mouth sores, infections and tooth decay. In order to help members prevent oral complications, the Principal...
Great American's Specialty Human Services Division Expands Markets to Include Clubs and Zoos
CINCINNATI-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - The Specialty Human Services Division of Great American Insurance Group is expanding its markets to include a broader range of not-for-profit and for-profit clubs, zoos and animal-related organizations. Effective immediately, the newly-eligible classes...
A.D.A.M. Added to Russell Microcap Index
ATLANTA-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - A.D.A.M., Inc. (NASDAQ: ADAM), a leading provider of high-quality health information and benefits technology solutions, today announced it has been added to the Russell Microcap Index after the Russell Investment Group reconstituted its comprehensive set of...
Renasant Corporation Second Quarter 2008 Earnings Webcast and Conference Call
TUPELO, Miss.-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - Renasant Corporation (NASDAQ: RNST) will announce 2008 second quarter financial results following the Market's closing on Tuesday, July 15, 2008. The company will hold executive management's quarterly conference call and webcast with analysts to discuss...
Spectrum Pension Consultants, Inc., Marks 30th Anniversary
TACOMA, Wash., July 2 PRNewswire — Spectrum Pension Consultants, Inc., an employee benefits consulting firm based in Tacoma, WA, marks its 30th year in business on July 3. The company plans a celebration to honor and thank its clients later in the year. Founded in April 1975 by...
Boston Private Announces Close of Westfield Capital Restructuring
BOSTON-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BPFH) (Boston Private) today announced the close of the previously announced deal to restructure the equity ownership of its affiliate, Westfield Capital Management (Westfield). As a result of the restructuring...
InsureMe Hires Industry Veteran
DENVER-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - InsureMe, Inc., a Bankrate company, announced today that Lou Geremia has joined the company as chief revenue officer. Mr. Geremia will be responsible for overseeing InsureMe's sales and marketing efforts and will report to InsureMe's CEO, Tim McTavish. Mr...
Hospitals, Healthcare Providers to Realize Value with Premier Third Party Scope Repair Agreements
CHARLOTTE, N.C.-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - Premier Purchasing Partners, LP, today announced new agreements for third party scope repair have been awarded to Cardinal Health of Dublin, Ohio; FrontLine Medical Corp. of Tampa, Fla.; Integrated Medical Systems International Inc. of Birmingham, Ala...
Proposed Congressional Legislation Would Cut $841 Million From the Medicare Advantage Program in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania would be one of the hardest hit states by this legislation WASHINGTON, July 2 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Pennsylvania seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage face significant funding cuts under legislation being considered in Congress, according to new data released by...
Prudential Financial and GAP Asset Management of Brazil Enter into a Strategic Partnership
NEWARK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU) and the founding partners of GAP Asset Management of Brazil (GAP) announced today that they have entered into a strategic partnership. This partnership will allow GAP to grow its successful asset management business...
Proposed Congressional Legislation Would Cut $385 Million From the Medicare Advantage Program in Ohio
Ohio would be one of the hardest hit states by this legislation WASHINGTON, July 2 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Ohio seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage face significant funding cuts under legislation being considered in Congress, according to new data released by America's Health...
Proposed Congressional Legislation Would Cut $6.6 Million from the Medicare Advantage Program in New Hampshire
WASHINGTON, July 2 PRNewswire-USNewswire — New Hampshire seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage face significant funding cuts under legislation being considered in Congress, according to new data released by America's Health Insurance Plans. As Congress considers ways to halt the...
Proposed Congressional Legislation Would Cut $143 Million from the Medicare Advantage Program in Georgia
WASHINGTON, July 2 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Georgia seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage face significant funding cuts under legislation being considered in Congress, according to new data released by America's Health Insurance Plans. As Congress considers ways to halt the impending...
Fiserv Agrees to Sell Majority Interest in its Insurance Business
BROOKFIELD, Wis.-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - Fiserv, Inc. (NASDAQ:FISV), a leading provider of information technology services to the financial and insurance industries, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement with Trident IV, a private equity fund managed by Stone Point Capital LLC...
Research and Markets: Report on the IT Sales Opportunities for American International Group, Inc. (AIG) out Now
DUBLIN, Ireland-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - Research and Markets , we have arrived at a demand score for each product and service. Through an in-depth analysis of industry trends and drivers and company level developments and events, we have made the 'IT Selling Opportunities Map' for hardware...
Report on the IT Sales Opportunities for AXA out Now
DUBLIN, Ireland-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - Research and Markets , we have arrived at a demand score for each product and service. Through an in-depth analysis of industry trends and drivers and company level developments and events, we have made the 'IT Selling Opportunities Map' for hardware...
Donan Engineering's Southeastern U.S. Expansion Continues
LOUISVILLE, Ky., July 2 PRNewswire — Donan Engineering Co., Inc. today announced plans to expand their forensic engineering and fire investigation operations into Atlanta, Georgia. Donan will begin offering forensic investigative services throughout Georgia from their new Atlanta office...
The Hartford Improves Fiduciary Service To Help Give Retirement Plan Sponsors Greater Peace Of Mind
SIMSBURY, Conn.-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - To help retirement plan sponsors manage their fiduciary responsibilities, the Retirement Plans Group of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:HIG) is instituting a number of improvements to its co-fiduciary investment selection and...
Miss GEICO's Speed, Style and Technology set to Start New Tradition at Classic Powerboat Race in Sarasota
SARASOTA, Fla., July 2 PRNewswire — For more than two decades, the world's offshore racing fans have converged in Sarasota to watch the world's fastest powerboat racing teams challenge one another off Sarasota's shore. Steeped in tradition and considered by many to be the best race of...
Securian Stands Out in Upper Midwest as a 'Best Place to Work in IT'
ST. PAUL, Minn., July 2 PRNewswire — Information technology and math graduates in the Upper Midwest will put Securian Financial Group high on their list of employers to consider. According to COMPUTERWORLD, Securian is one of only five companies in a six-state region that are on the...
UnitedHealth Group Revises 2008 Financial Outlook
MINNEAPOLIS-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH) announced today a revision in its outlook for 2008, following an assessment of preliminary second quarter 2008 results and recent business trends. The Company now expects full year 2008 adjusted earnings per share in the...
UnitedHealth Group Agrees to Resolve Federal Securities Class Action Lawsuit
MINNETONKA, Minn.-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) today announced it has reached an agreement in principle with lead plaintiff California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) and plaintiff class representative Alaska Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry Pension...
Centene Corporation Closes Acquisition of Celtic Insurance Company
ST. LOUIS-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) today announced that it has closed the acquisition of Celtic Group, Inc., the parent company of Celtic Insurance Company ("Celtic"), effective July 1, 2008. Concurrent with regulatory approval of the transaction, Centene...
Hylant Group Names President to New Chicago Office
TOLEDO, Ohio, July 2 PRNewswire — Hylant Group, one of the nation's largest privately held commercial insurance brokerage firms, named Thomas O'Connell President of its new office in Chicago. O'Connell has more than 30 years of industry experience and has held executive leadership...
Credit Relief Extended to State Fund Policyholders Impacted by More Than 800 Wildfires Raging Throughout the Golden State
SAN FRANCISCO, July 2 PRNewswire — State Compensation Insurance Fund announced today that it will extend credit to policyholders who have suffered a financial loss or business disruption caused by the hundreds of wildfires burning throughout California. Most fires sparked by...
AAA Gas-Saving Tips for Fourth of July Travel
DEARBORN, Mich., July 2 PRNewswire — With the price of gas on the rise, more Michigan travelers are going to be looking for deals, discounts and special savings throughout the summer, reports AAA Michigan. Listed below are a few ways to stretch that gasoline dollar: Mackinac Island...
Specialty Underwriters' Alliance, Inc. Responds to Most Recent Hallmark Letter
CHICAGO, July 2 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Specialty Underwriters' Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: SUAI) today announced that it has responded to a letter, dated July 1, 2008, from Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. ("Hallmark") in which Hallmark stated that it was reaffirming its conditional...
MassMutual Call Center Wins Prestigious Service Awards for Second Consecutive Year
SPRINGFIELD, Mass., July 2 PRNewswire — MassMutual's Retirement Services Call Center has earned two 2008 Annual Call Center Excellence Awards sponsored by the International Quality & Productivity Center (IQPC). MassMutual earned the top award for "Best in Class Call Center" category...
IDG'S Computerworld Names Antares Among Best Places to Work in Information Technology
STRONGSVILLE, Ohio, July 2 PRNewswire — IDG's Computerworld, the "Voice of IT Management," announced today that it has selected Antares Management Solutions as one of the top workplaces for information technology (IT) professionals for the third year in a row. This honor is part of...
Support Numbers for Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company Customers Affected by Floods
COLUMBIA, S.C., July 2 PRNewswire — Colonial Life & Accident Insurance company has set up dedicated phone lines to make it easier for customers affected by the flooding in the Midwest to get support from the company. Customers can call Colonial Life's service centers toll free at...
GMAC Commercial Finance Announces the Sale of its Poland Factoring Business to SEB
NEW YORK, July 2 PRNewswire — GMAC Commercial Finance (GMAC CF) announced today that it has agreed to sell 100 percent of its shares in GMAC CF Sp. z o.o (CF Poland) to North European financial group SEB (Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB). CF Poland is a factoring and promissory note...
Mitch Palmer Inaugurated as President of Chicago Southland Chapter - National Association of Health Underwriters
SAN DIEGO-(Business Wire)-July 2, 2008 - Mitch Palmer was inaugurated as President of the Chicago Southland Association of Health Underwriters at the conclusion of the National Association of Health Underwriter's 78th Annual Convention in San Diego, CA. "In all of his health insurance-related...
Civil Service Employees Insurance Group Introduces New Discounts on CSE Safeguard Homeowner Policies for California Civil Service Employees
SAN FRANCISCO-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - Civil Service Employees Insurance Group (CSE), a leader in providing civil service employees with quality protection at affordable rates, today announced significant new discounts for California civil service workers. Effective today, all California...
CNA Focuses on Patient Privacy
CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - Recently, the CNA insurance companies issued a client bulletin to provide healthcare managers with risk management guidance on the privacy risks associated with patient communication via telephone and e-mail. While telephone and e-mail facilitate contact with...
Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. Announces That Martin J. Sullivan Has Resigned from the Board of Directors - President and CEO, Robert F. Orlich, Will Serve as Interim Chairman
NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TRH) has announced that its Chairman, Martin J. Sullivan, has resigned from the Board, effective today. The Board has elected Robert F. Orlich, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transatlantic Holdings, Inc., to...
Russell to Plan Sponsors: Use a New Evaluation Framework to Differentiate Among Target Date Funds
TACOMA, Wash.-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - Russell Investments released a paper to assist plan sponsors who, on the heels of the Pension Protection Act, are increasingly evaluating and selecting target date funds for their defined contribution plans. The paper outlines twelve observations about...
Taking a Summer Vacation? Brooke Insurance Agents Say Know the Benefits of Insurance
OVERLAND PARK, Kan.-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - When taking summer vacations or other long-distance trips, rarely does the average person think that their personal items might come up missing - especially with the heightened security airports have put in place over the past several years...
RLI 2nd Quarter Earnings Release Teleconference
PEORIA, Ill.-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - RLI Corp. (NYSE:RLI), a specialty property & casualty company, will hold its quarterly conference call to discuss second quarter results on Wednesday, July 16, 2008, at 11:00 am Eastern Time. This call is being webcast by Thomson/CCBN and can be...
USAA Southeast Regional Office Receives U.S. Green Building Council Distinction
TAMPA, Fla.-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - USAA's Southeast Regional Office, located in Tampa, has been awarded a Gold certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Existing Buildings from the U.S. Green Building Council. The first existing building in Florida to receive...
National Holdings Corporation and vFinance, Inc. Announce Completion of Merger
NEW YORK & BOCA RATON, Fla.-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - National Holdings Corporation (OTCBB:NHLD) ("National") and vFinance, Inc. (OTCBB:VFIN) ("vFinance"), full service investment banking companies, today announced the completion of the merger between the two companies. The combined company...
Aetna Endorses Markle Foundation Efforts to Ensure Privacy and Security of Consumers' Health Information Online
HARTFORD, Conn.-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - Aetna (NYSE:AET) today announced its support of a newly released Common Framework for Networked Personal Health Information developed by Connecting for Health, a public-private collaboration operated by the Markle Foundation. The Connecting for Health...
Residents Impacted by Flooding Face Insurance Questions
HARTFORD, Conn.-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - As the Midwest battles some of the worst flooding in recent memory, insurance agents are busy answering questions about flood insurance - questions that are best addressed before a stressful situation develops. A recent Mason-Dixon poll revealed that...
Zurich North America Commercial Names Marcia Munn to Head Professional Liability Unit
SCHAUMBURG, Ill.-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - Zurich, one of the world's largest property-casualty insurance companies, today announced Marcia Munn has joined the company as head of its Specialties Professional Liability unit, part of its North America Commercial business division. In this role...
CIGNA Corporation Announces Second Quarter and Third Quarter 2008 Earnings Release Dates
PHILADELPHIA-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - CIGNA Corporation (NYSE:CI) will release its second quarter 2008 financial results on Friday, August 1, 2008 and its third quarter 2008 financial results on Thursday, October 30, 2008. Second quarter 2008 financial results will be released on August 1...
Life Settlement Awareness Month Comes to an End with Successful Results
SAN DIEGO-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - As the secondary market for life insurance continues to grow, more financial professionals have shown their interest in life settlements by getting involved in Life Settlement Awareness Month(TM) events. Throughout June, Life Settlement Solutions Inc., hosted...
Old Republic Home Protection Announces Partnership with GeoAssurance, Inc.
SAN RAMON, Calif.-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - Old Republic Home Protection, a leader in the home warranty industry, has established a partnership in the state of California with GeoAssurance, Inc., a provider of Natural Hazard and Environmental Disclosure Reports for the real estate industry...
A.M. Best Assigns Ratings to MS Frontier Reinsurance Ltd
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has assigned a financial strength rating of A (Excellent) and an issuer credit rating of "a+" to MS Frontier Reinsurance Ltd (MS Frontier) (Hamilton, Bermuda). The outlook assigned to both ratings is stable. MS Frontier is a wholly owned...
Twin Cities Financial Service Leaders Celebrate Community Service 2008 with Kickoff Event at Junior Achievement's BizTown
MINNEAPOLIS-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - Several Twin Cities members of The Financial Services Roundtable (FSR) including U.S. Bancorp, Bank of the West, Wells Fargo, Ameriprise, GMAC Financial Services and RBC Bank, joined nearly 100 Twin Cities school age kids at Junior Achievement's BizTown...
Time to Begin 403(b) Transition is Now
DES MOINES, Iowa-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - Non-profit retirement plan sponsors face a daunting set of new responsibilities in order to bring their 403(b) plans into compliance with new IRS regulations. They need to begin taking action now. But where to start? New guides from the Principal...
Survey Finds MemberHealth's(TM) Part D Plan No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction for the Second Consecutive Year
CLEVELAND-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - MemberHealth, LLC's Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) Community CCRx(SM), was named No. 1 in overall customer satisfaction for the second consecutive year by Wilson Health Information, LLC, one of the nation's leading independent consumer...
TraderTools Licenses Smart Trade's STTP 5.5 Liquidity Management System
NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - Smart Trade Technologies, a leader in liquidity management systems automating MiFID- and Reg NMS-compliant best execution for banks, broker-dealers, ECNs and large hedge funds across asset classes, announced today that it licensed its STTP 5.5 liquidity...
CaliforniaChoice(R) Launches HR Support Center for Employers and Brokers
ORANGE, Calif.-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - CaliforniaChoice(R), a CHOICE Administrators(R) program, today announced the launch of its CaliforniaChoice(R) HR Support Center - a free service that provides professional human resources support and information to brokers and small-group employers...
Dr. Howard Epstein Joins Blue Cross as Medical Director for Commercial Operations and Clinical Design
EAGAN, Minn., July 1 PRNewswire — Howard Epstein, M.D. has joined Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota as medical director for commercial operations and clinical design. In his new role, Dr. Epstein will be responsible for supporting case review and clinician consultation for...
Adam St. Germain Joins FundQuest's Investment Team
BOSTON-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - FundQuest, a global provider of managed account investment solutions for financial institutions and advisors announced the recent hire of Adam St. Germain. Adam joined the Investment Management team as a Financial Analyst and member of FundQuest's Investment...
Venture Tape Partners with Graphtec to Offer New Automotive Paint Protection Package
ROCKLAND, Mass.-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - Venture Tape Corp., a worldwide manufacturer of specialty tapes, has announced an innovative partnership with Graphtec Corporation to offer a turnkey automotive paint protection package to car dealerships and retail customers. VentureShield, a clear...
Unum Reports Workers Underestimate Risks, Lack Safety Net
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - Decisions, decisions. First it was whether to participate in an HMO or a PPO. Then it was picking investments for a 401(k). Now, working Americans are becoming the decision-makers for all sorts of other benefits options and must choose how to spend...
Keenan Negotiates $13.5 Million in Insurance Savings for California Schools and Community Colleges Risk Pools
TORRANCE, Calif.-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - Keenan & Associates, the Torrance, California broker, who manages the largest K-12 school and community college Property and Liability and Workers' Compensation programs in California, completed negotiations for renewals of the Schools...
Jack Henry & Associates Divests Insurance Agency Outsourcing Business Line
MONETT, Mo., July 1 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. (Nasdaq: JKHY), a leading provider of integrated technology solutions and data processing services for financial institutions, today announced that its insurance agency outsourcing solution has been bought by...
GEICO Introduces New Auto Insurance Rate Plan in Michigan
WASHINGTON-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - GEICO has announced that it is introducing a new auto insurance rate plan that is expected to deliver insurance savings to many Michigan drivers. "GEICO is pleased to release a new rating plan that will offer the opportunity for millions of Michigan...
LTC Global Announces the Acquisition of American Insurance Agency, Inc.
MEDFORD, Ore.-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - LTC Global, Inc. today announced that it has completed the acquisition of American Insurance Agency, Inc. (AIA), a privately held life and health insurance agency based in Lebanon, Tennessee. Mike Beckman, principal of AIA, joined the LTC Global group...
The Network Wins Stevie(R) Award in 6th Annual American Business Awards(SM)
NORCROSS, Ga.-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - The Network, a technology-based company providing hotline, insurance claim reporting and employee communication services to nearly half the Fortune 500, announced today its recently earned Stevie Award for Interactive Media Professional Education from The...
Pinnacle Financial Group Supports Early Intervention Program
SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass.-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - Michael Mingolelli, Jr., CEO of Pinnacle Financial Group, recently presented a check for $5,000 to Harry Shulman, the President and CEO of South Shore Mental Health, as part of a 3 year, $15,000 pledge for the Step One Early Intervention Program...
Center for Health Value Innovation Reports Achievements in Value-Based Design at Caterpillar Inc.
ST. LOUIS, Mo. & PEORIA, Ill.-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - The Center for Health Value Innovation (www.vbhealth.org), the nation's premier organization dedicated to establishing value and producing evidence for sustainable health and financial improvement, announces positive employee health...
A.M. Best Removes From Under Review and Downgrades Debt Rating of Tailwind Holdings, LLC
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has removed from under review with negative implications the debt rating on $130 million of Series A floating rate senior secured notes, due 2036 (notes) issued by Tailwind Holdings, LLC (Tailwind Holdings), a Delaware limited liability...
A.M. Best Removes from under Review and Downgrades Debt Rating of Northwind Holdings, LLC
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has removed from under review with negative implications the debt rating on $800 million of floating rate insured notes, due December 1, 2037 issued by Northwind Holdings, LLC (Northwind Holdings), a Delaware limited liability company and...
Assemblyman Collaborates With Insurance Industry to Raise Auto Insurance Rates, Invade Drivers' Privacy
SANTA MONICA, Calif., July 1 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Insurance companies will be allowed to install spyware in Californians' cars, and charge higher auto insurance premiums to those who refuse, under legislation authored by San Rafael Assemblyman Jared Huffman. Proponents claim the bill...
Lincoln Financial Group Announces Dates for Second Quarter Earnings and 2008 Conference for Investors and Bankers
PHILADELPHIA, July 1 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) today announced dates for its second quarter earnings call and Conference for Investors and Bankers. Second Quarter Earnings Lincoln Financial will report its second quarter earnings after market close on...
Guardian Makes the Cost of Dental Care More Transparent With New Online Tool
NEW YORK, July 1 PRNewswire — Guardian dental plan members can now, with just a few clicks of a mouse, receive cost estimates on dental procedures — before treatment — and compare the financial impact of visiting an in-network versus out-of-network dentist. The Guardian Life...
Sypherlink, SPAWAR Systems Center San Diego Sign CRADA to Enhance NIEM-based Info Sharing Over Hastily Formed Secure Data Networks
DUBLIN, Ohio-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - Information-management-software company Sypherlink, Inc., and SPAWAR Systems Center, San Diego (SSC San Diego), have entered into a three-year cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) focused on rapidly and securely sharing information...
Alabama Insurance Underwriting Association Announces Discount For Fortified...for safer living(R) Homes
FOLEY, Ala., July 1 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Effective today, the Alabama Insurance Underwriting Association (AIUA), commonly known as the Beach Pool, is implementing new discounts to help coastal Alabama policyholders reduce their premiums for windstorm coverage. The Beach Pool...
NIP Group Launches a New Insurance Market Index to Track Transportation Insurance Rates and Offer a Leading Indicator on the Direction of Commercial Insurance Rates
WOODBRIDGE, N.J.-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - NIP Group, Inc. published the results of a survey it commissioned to benchmark changes in the availability and rates in the transportation insurance marketplace. Conducted by Focal Point Marketing, the first ever Transportation Insurance Pricing Survey...
SCAN Health Plan Arizona and SCAN Long Term Care Appoints Thomas Lescault President of Arizona Operations
PHOENIX, July 1 PRNewswire — The boards of directors for SCAN Health Plan Arizona and SCAN Long Term Care announced today the appointment of Thomas Lescault as president of SCAN's Arizona operations, effective immediately. In Arizona, SCAN offers a health plan for Medicare and...
Insurers Offer Some Info on Totaled Vehicles to Fight Title Fraud
Commercial Access Not Yet Available WASHINGTON, July 1 PRNewswire-USNewswire — The National Automobile Dealers Association - a leader in the fight for total-loss vehicle disclosure - today applauded the efforts of the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) for creating a new Web-based...
Brownsville Drivers Rank Safest in Texas
IRVING, Texas, July 1 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Residents of Brownsville are the safest drivers in Texas and are among the safest drivers in America according to the 2008 Allstate America's Best Drivers Report. Brownsville drivers are roaring in at number one in Texas and 21st nationally...
BISYS Specialty Programs Becomes 5Star Specialty Programs
MELBOURNE, Fla., July 1 PRNewswire — BISYS Specialty Programs, a division of BISYS Commercial Insurance Services, today announced that the company has changed its name to Five Star Specialty Programs, a division of Crump Insurance Services, Inc. This change is part of the consolidation...
General Data Launches Web Site to Showcase Healthcare Technology Solutions
CINCINNATI-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - General Data Company, Inc. (www.general-data.com) today announces the launch of a new healthcare-focused Web site, www.general-data.com/healthcare. Delivering timely information to enhance patient safety in medical facilities, the site will provide...
Adoption of Bottomline's Legal eXchange(TM) Solution Continues to Increase Among Leading Insurance Organizations
PORTSMOUTH, N.H.-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - Bottomline Technologies (NASDAQ: EPAY), a leading provider of collaborative payment, invoice and document automation solutions, today announced continuing momentum for its legal spend management solution, Legal eXchange, among the nation's leading...
CIGNA Creating a Virtual Health Care Community
BLOOMFIELD, Conn. & SAN FRANCISCO-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - Today CIGNA, a leading health service company, is announcing the development of a virtual health care community. This computer-simulated world is situated on a Second Life(R) island, where seminars, interactive displays...
Nationwide Mutual Funds and Aberdeen Funds Complete Reorganization of 26 Funds
COLUMBUS, Ohio-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - Nationwide today announced the completion of the reorganization of 26 Nationwide Funds into Aberdeen Funds. Nationwide had announced last Sept. 18 that it had reached an agreement with Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. to purchase Nationwide's active U.S...
National Investment Managers Inc. Acquires Alaska Pension Services, Ltd.
DUBLIN, Ohio-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - National Investment Managers Inc. (OTC BB: NIVM), a nationally-operated and regionally-based retirement plan administration and investment management company, announced today that it has closed on the acquisition of Alaska Pension Services, Ltd. (APS...
The Principal Financial Group Fights Rising Healthcare Costs
DES MOINES, Iowa-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - The Principal Financial Group(R) renews its pharmacy benefits contract with CVS Caremark. Through the agreement, CVS Caremark will implement new programs for The Principal(R), offering lower drug prices, pharmacy discounts and access to healthcare...
CSAC EIA Partners with TargetSafety to Provide Its Members with a Comprehensive, Online Risk Management Platform
SAN DIEGO-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - CSAC Excess Insurance Authority (EIA), the nation's second largest public entity risk pool, and TargetSafety, the U.S. leader in online, enterprise risk management solutions for public entities, today announced that they have signed a multi-year partnership...
State, National Long Term Care Community Applauds New Hampshire Leader in U.S. Senate for Helping Lead Effort to Block $770 Million Bush Medicare Cuts
Bipartisan Efforts Oppose $3.9 Million Funding Cut to State's Medicare Beneficiaries CONCORD, N.H., July 1 PRNewswire-USNewswire — The New Hampshire Health Care Association (NHHCA) and the American Health Care Association (AHCA) today praised Senator John Sununu (R) for helping lead...
TIGroup Mid-Year Update to Shareholders
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - Tri-Isthmus Group, Inc. (TIGroup) (Pink Sheets:TISG), a provider of financial solutions to the healthcare industry, today issued the following update to shareholders from CEO David Hirschhorn. To Our Shareholders, I am pleased to report that the...
American Financial Group, Inc. Declares Quarterly Dividend
CINCINNATI-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - American Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:AFG)(NASDAQ:AFG) announced that it has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.125 per share of American Financial Group Common Stock. The dividend is payable on July 25, 2008, to holders of record on July 15, 2008. About...
Willis Re Releases Annual Renewals Report July 2008
LONDON-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - Willis Group Holdings Limited (NYSE: WSH), the global insurance broker, has released its annual reinsurance renewals report for July 2008. Titled "Whose Cycle is it Anyway?" the report finds that while softening in the reinsurance market continues unfettered...
Moody's Investors Service Announces Structured Finance Leadership Changes
NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - Moody's Investors Service today announced the appointment of Andrew Kimball, 58, as the acting head of the company's global Structured Finance business. Mr. Kimball replaces Noel Kirnon, who is leaving Moody's effective July 31st. A comprehensive search for...
Assurance Investment Partners Purchases Arison Insurance Services from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
LOUISVILLE, Ky., July 1 PRNewswire — Arison Insurance Services, Inc., has been sold to Assurance Investment Partners (AIP). Previously an affiliate of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky, Arison has six offices across Kentucky and sells medical, dental, life and disability...
New AMA Ads Blast Senate Inaction on Medicare Cuts That Begin Today
Senate Must Act Immediately After Holiday Recess to Preserve Seniors' Access to Care WASHINGTON, July 1 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Reflecting physicians' frustration with a group of senators that blocked action last week on legislation that would stop harsh Medicare physician payment...
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey Selects CCLC(R) to Manage and Operate Its On-Site Child Development Center
NEWARK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ) has selected CCLC, a nationwide child care provider dedicated to quality employer-sponsored early childhood education, to assume operations of its Newark, New Jersey on-site child development...
Health Net of California Signs Agreement with Alvarado Hospital
LOS ANGELES-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - Alvarado Hospital of San Diego and Health Net of California, Inc. have signed a new agreement that provides Health Net members with access to health care at Alvarado Hospital. The contract covers Health Net members with employer-sponsored, Individual...
MetLife to Hold Conference Call for Second Quarter 2008 Results
NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) will hold its second quarter 2008 earnings conference call and audio Webcast on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. (ET). These events will follow MetLife's issuance of its second quarter earnings press release on...
Jefferson Pilot Securities Corp. Changes Name to Lincoln Financial Securities Corp.
CONCORD, N.H., July 1 PRNewswire — Jefferson Pilot Securities Corp., an independent broker-dealer affiliate of Lincoln Financial Group, today changed its name to Lincoln Financial Securities Corp. (LFS). Effective immediately, all materials will reflect the new name. Services offered by...
Hillstar Insurance Challenges the Status Quo in California with a Service Guarantee
LOS ANGELES, July 01 PRNewswire — California drivers deserve great service. At least that's what the team at Hillstar Insurance Company believes. Hillstar debuts in California this week with their "Service Advantage Guarantee". Details of Hillstar's Service Advantage Guarantee can...
Where Will the Safest Drivers Cruise on July 4th?
NORTHBROOK, Ill.-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - Residents in Sioux Falls, S.D., continued to top the chart as the safest drivers in the U.S., according to the fourth annual "Allstate America's Best Drivers Report(TM)." The average driver in Sioux Falls experiences an auto collision every 14.6 years...
Claudine Modlin Joins EMB America
SAN DIEGO-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - EMB, the world's leading specialist property and casualty (P&C) actuarial and business consulting firm, announced today that Claudine Modlin will join EMB America as a senior consultant. Modlin brings over 17 years of experience in the property & casualty...
Linda E. Amuso Named President of Aon Consulting's Radford Surveys + Consulting
SAN JOSE, Calif., July 1 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Aon Consulting's Radford Surveys + Consulting, a leading provider of market compensation intelligence and consulting to the high technology and life sciences industries, has announced the appointment of Linda E. Amuso to president...
Aflac Named as a Top Company for Diversity by Black Enterprise Magazine
COLUMBUS, Ga., July 1 PRNewswire — Today Black Enterprise magazine applauded Aflac's outstanding achievements in workplace diversity for the fourth consecutive year on the 40 Best Companies for Diversity listing. This recognition highlights the well-branded insurer's remarkable...
Longs Drug Stores to Continue to Service Medi-Cal Patients
WALNUT CREEK, Calif., July 1 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Longs Drug Stores Corporation (NYSE: LDG) announced today that it will continue to honor new and refilled prescriptions for their patients covered by Medi-Cal despite the State's plan to cut reimbursements effective July 1. In...
Accenx Technologies, a Premier Sponsor as the Educational Underwriters of the 3rd Annual World Congress Leadership Summit on The Road to Interoperability
IRVINE, Calif., July 1 PRNewswire-FirstCall — Accenx Technologies, Inc., is the premier sponsor of the 3rd Annual World Congress Summit on The Road to Interoperability. The two-day event, held in Boston, MA on July 22-23, will focus on propelling Health Information Exchange (HIE) to the...
PMI Summer 2008 Risk Index Indicates Risk Intensifying in Areas With Previous Rapid Home Price Growth
WALNUT CREEK, Calif., July 1 PRNewswire-FirstCall — PMI Mortgage Insurance Co., the primary U.S. subsidiary of The PMI Group, Inc. (NYSE: PMI), today released its Summer 2008 U.S. Market Risk Index(SM), which ranks the nation's 50 largest metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs...
Great Doctors Produce Great Results (Healthcare Underwriters Group Mutual of Ohio Pays A Cash Dividend):
COLUMBUS, Ohio-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - Healthcare Underwriters Group Mutual of Ohio (HUOH), the only medical liability insurance company operating in Ohio that is owned and governed exclusively by Ohio physicians, announced today that it will make its first cash distribution to its...
Freddie Mac Requires RMIC to Submit Remediation Plan After Ratings Downgrade
MCLEAN, Va., July 1 PRNewswire — Republic Mortgage Insurance Company (RMIC), a Freddie Mac-approved mortgage insurer, has notified Freddie Mac that it was downgraded by Moody's Investor Services to A1 from Aa3, below the credit rating required to maintain Type I Insurer status under...
Belron US Finalizes Acquisition of Diamond Glass
COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 1 PRNewswire — Belron US, the nation's leading vehicle glass repair and replacement company has closed its acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Diamond Glass. The closing was effective June 30. "The transaction marks the beginning of a transition of the...
Tealwood Care Centers Partners With Silverchair Learning Systems and Swett & Crawford
Silverchair and Swett to provide custom training courses, comprehensive Learning Management System CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., July 1 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Tealwood Care Centers, a leading senior care organization headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota with facilities in Minnesota, South...
Conning Research: Property-Casualty Industry Loss Reserves Position Deteriorated in 2007
HARTFORD, Conn., July 1 PRNewswire — While the property-casualty industry still appears to have strong reserves, overall its position began to deteriorate in 2007, according to a new study by Conning Research and Consulting, Inc. "The property-casualty industry's reserve position...
Seniors Mobilizing Against Medicare Advantage Cuts
New Ad Reminds Congress What Happened Last Time it Cut Program WASHINGTON, July 1 PRNewswire-USNewswire — As Congress continues to pursue a solution to the Medicare physician payment issue, seniors from across the country are mobilizing over the July 4th recess to urge Congress to...
Autism Class Action Filed Against Blue Cross
DETROIT, July 1 PRNewswire — The father of an autistic child has filed a class action lawsuit against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, and it was set for hearing by Judge Sean Cox in Federal Court. Mr. Chris Johns alleges that the insurer has wrongfully refused coverage for his...
Police Use of Force -- Too Much Too Soon or Too Little Too Late? FACTS-Use of Force Reporting(TM) Software Can Help Agencies Track and Analyze Their Use of Force Data
FELTON, Calif., July 1 PRNewswire — CrossWind Technologies today announces the launch of its newest product, FACTS-Use of Force Reporting(TM) software. FACTS(TM) will provide law enforcement agencies a tracking and feedback tool for the highest risk situation encountered by officers...
The Quantum Group Adds New Insurance Product for Physicians
WELLINGTON, Fla., July 1 PRNewswire-FirstCall — The Quantum Group (Amex: QGP) ( www.QuantumMD.com ) has announced that subsidiary company, The Quantum Agency, Inc., has added a new insurance product to address steeply rising medical insurance premiums for physicians — Medical...
Adaptis Named 'Top 100' Company for Fifth Consecutive Year
SEATTLE, July 1 PRNewswire — Adaptis, a leading provider of business process outsourcing (BPO) solutions for health payers, today announced that the company has once again been named to the prestigious and highly anticipated Healthcare Informatics 15th annual Top 100 list. The...
AEGON Kicks-Off Lead Sponsorship With Renowned Dutch Soccer Club Ajax
THE HAGUE, The Netherlands, July 1 PRNewswire-FirstCall — AEGON and world-renowned Dutch soccer club Ajax today formally launched their new partnership with the unveiling of a giant copy of Ajax's red and white game shirt featuring, for the first time, the AEGON brand. From now on...
Monitoring ESG and Extra-Financial KPIs: ASSET4 Makes It Easy and Dynamic
ZUG, Switzerland-(Business Wire)-July 1, 2008 - ASSET4 AG, the leading provider of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) information, today announced that it has just made monitoring extra-financial key performance indicators (KPIs) easy and dynamic with its new one-click ESG and...
National Long Term Care Insurance Agency Partners with Nation's Leading Provider of Financial Solutions for the Insurance Industry
KIRKLAND, Wash., July 1 PRNewswire — Today LTC Financial Partners, LLC (LTCFP), one of the nation's most experienced long term care insurance agencies, and TWG Capital, the nation's leading provider of financial solutions for the insurance industry, announced the creation of the...
Wells Fargo Second Quarter Earnings Information
SAN FRANCISCO-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) is scheduled to announce its second quarter 2008 earnings Wednesday, July 16, 2008, at 5 a.m. PDT (8 a.m. EDT). The news release will be available at wellsfargo.com/ir. Howard Atkins, chief financial officer, will...
IDG's Computerworld Names JM Family Enterprises to Top 10 on Annual List of 100 Best Places to Work in Information Technology
DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla.-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - JM Family Enterprises (JM Family) announced today that IDG's Computerworld has selected it as No. 7 among the "100 Best Places to Work in IT 2008" and No. 5 among mid-sized companies. It is also the highest-ranked company headquartered in Florida...
CIGNA Offers Assistance to Members in Missouri Disaster Area
PHILADELPHIA-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - CIGNA today announced that it is making a number of exceptions to its normal processes to assist those covered under a CIGNA plan who have been affected by flooding in Missouri. Effective retroactive to June 23, 2008, the following provisions will be in...
PMA Capital Completes Acquisition of Webster Risk Services and Announces Second Quarter 2008 Earnings Release Date
BLUE BELL, Pa.-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - PMA Capital Corporation (NASDAQ:PMACA) announced today the completion of its acquisition of Webster Risk Services, a Connecticut-based provider of Third Party Administration (TPA) services, from Webster Financial Corporation. Webster Risk Services...
HealthSpring, Inc. to Broadcast Second-Quarter Conference Call Live on the Internet
NASHVILLE, Tenn.-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - HealthSpring, Inc. (NYSE:HS) today announced that it will provide an online Web simulcast of its second-quarter 2008 earnings conference call on Wednesday, July 30, 2008. The Company will release results for the second quarter and six months ended...
A.M. Best Comments on Ratings of Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd. and Its Subsidiaries
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has commented that the ratings of Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd (Allied World) (Bermuda) (NYSE: AWH) and its subsidiaries remain unchanged following the recent announcement that the company has entered into a definitive...
A.M. Best Places Ratings of Subsidiaries of Darwin Professional Underwriters, Inc. Under Review With Positive Implications
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has placed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of "a-" of Darwin Group (Darwin) (Wilmington, DE) and its members under review with positive implications. Concurrently, the FSR of A...
Best's Review Recognizes 63 Insurers for Maintaining "A" or Higher Financial Strength Ratings for Decades
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - With the financial services industry facing difficult economic conditions, it's interesting to find out which companies have achieved "A" or higher A.M. Best Financial Strength Ratings for decades—some for a century. A.M. Best Co. has been...
AXIS Capital Announces Dean Benner as Chief Investment Officer
PEMBROKE, Bermuda-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - AXIS Capital Holdings Limited ("AXIS Capital") (NYSE: AXS) announced today the appointment of Dean Benner as Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, effective June 30, 2008. Dean will report to David Greenfield, CFO. Dean Benner...
TIGroup Announces Agreement with ESSENCE Healthcare to Provide Unique Health Plans for Medicare Patients
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - Tri-Isthmus Group, Inc. (TIGroup) (Pink Sheets:TISG) today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, TIG Financial Solutions, LLC, a provider of insurance services for physicians and patients, has entered into an exclusive agreement with...
Global High Income Fund Inc. -- Distribution Characteristics for June 2008
NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - Global High Income Fund Inc. (the "Fund") (NYSE: GHI), a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company seeking high current income and secondarily, capital appreciation through investments primarily in securities of emerging market debt issuers...
GASB Issues Statement No. 53, Accounting and Financial Reporting for Derivative Instruments
NORWALK, Conn.-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) today issued GASB Statement No. 53, Accounting and Financial Reporting for Derivative Instruments. Statement 53 is intended to improve how state and local governments report information about derivative...
Aetna Wins Contract for Connecticut Medicaid, Uninsured Program
HARTFORD, Conn.-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - Aetna (NYSE:AET) has been notified that the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) has awarded a Medicaid managed care contract to Aetna Better Health(SM), Aetna's Medicaid business. Aetna Better Health will administer Medicaid benefits for...
Arch Capital Group Ltd. to Report 2008 Second Quarter Results on July 24, 2008
HAMILTON, Bermuda-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - Arch Capital Group Ltd. (NASDAQ: ACGL) announced that it expects to release its 2008 second quarter results after the close of regular stock market hours on Thursday, July 24, 2008. The Company will hold a conference call for investors and analysts...
Humana to Sponsor "Humana Fightmaster Cup"
LOUISVILLE, Ky.-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) announced today that the company will serve as title sponsor of the inaugural Humana Fightmaster Cup, scheduled for September 12-14 at the Cardinal Club in Simpsonville, Ky., 20 miles east of Louisville. Humana will contribute...
Medi-Cal Cuts Place Millions of Patients' Care in Jeopardy on July 1, Family Physicians Say
SAN FRANCISCO-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - Family medicine physicians across the state are bracing for the health care crisis facing their patients when a 10% reduction in physician payments takes effect on July 1. "The State of California is putting the health of millions of patients at risk...
SCPIE Holdings Inc. Announces Completion of Merger
LOS ANGELES-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - SCPIE Holdings Inc. (NYSE:SKP), a major provider of healthcare liability insurance, today announced the completion of its merger with The Doctors Company. On October 15, 2007, SCPIE entered into a merger agreement with The Doctors Company which called...
CORRECTING and REPLACING A.M. Best Assigns Ratings to Al Fajer Retakaful Insurance Company KSCC
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - Fourth graph, second sentence should read: XXX KWD 25 million (USD 95 million) XXX sted: XXX KWD 25 million (USD 45 million) XXX. The corrected release reads: A.M. BEST ASSIGNS RATINGS TO AL FAJER RETAKAFUL INSURANCE COMPANY KSCC A.M. Best Co. has...
Flood Impact Study for Fuels and Combustion Equipment Announced
CLEVELAND-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - CEC Combustion Services Group is today announcing sponsorship of a major study of flood related damage and claims to boilers, furnaces, hot water heaters, fuel systems, generators, and other infrastructure related systems. The Midwest floods have crippled...
Mid Penn Bancorp, Inc. Stock Repurchase Program Terminated
MILLERSBURG, Pa.-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - A Mid Penn Bancorp, Inc. (AMEX:MBP) Stock Repurchase Program approved by the Board of Directors in September 2005 will terminate on June 30, 2008. The program allowed for purchases totaling up to 250,000 shares. The Company's open-market purchases...
MetLife Estate Resolution Services Enhances Supplemental Group Life Benefits
NEW YORK-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - MetLife, the largest U.S. life insurer and a leading provider of employee benefits, today announced that it has enhanced its group life benefits portfolio by adding estate resolution services as a standard feature to its supplemental Term Life, Group...
Zurich North America Commercial Names John Parker Chief Marketing Officer
SCHAUMBURG, Ill.-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - Zurich, one of the world's largest property-casualty insurance companies, announced today that John Parker has joined its North America Commercial business division as chief marketing officer. "Zurich is focused on further understanding and serving...
AmeriChoice Awarded Contract to Serve Connecticut's Charter Oak and HUSKY Programs
MINNEAPOLIS-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - AmeriChoice, the UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) company that facilitates care for beneficiaries of state and public health care programs, announced today that it has been selected by the Connecticut Department of Social Services to provide service to the...
Inc.com Journalist, Author Shows Business Owners How to 'Blog to Bank'
DES MOINES, Iowa-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - Arianna Huffington's Internet newspaper, The Huffington Post, earns more than two million visitors per month. Angie's List - which includes a blog by founder Angie Hicks - boasts 650,000 members across 120 cities. How these two women business owners...
A.M. Best Comments on Announced Acquisition of Pembroke Managing Agency Ltd. by Ironshore Inc.
OLDWICK, N.J.-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - A.M. Best Co. has commented that the ratings of Ironshore Inc. (Ironshore) (Cayman Islands) and its operating subsidiaries are unchanged following its recently announced acquisition of Pembroke Managing Agency Limited (Pembroke), which manages Lloyd's...
Everest Re Group Announces Second Quarter Earnings Release Date
HAMILTON, Bermuda-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - Everest Re Group, Ltd. (NYSE: RE) will release its Second Quarter 2008 earnings after close of trading on the NYSE on July 21, 2008. A conference call discussing the results will be held at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on July 22, 2008. The call will be...
StanCorp Financial Group, Inc. to Announce Second Quarter 2008 Financial Results on July 21, 2008 and Hold Webcast Conference Call on July 22, 2008
PORTLAND, Ore., June 30 PRNewswire-FirstCall — StanCorp Financial Group, Inc. ("StanCorp") (NYSE: SFG) announced today it will release second quarter 2008 financial results on July 21, 2008, following the close of market. The press release will be available shortly thereafter on the...
Aetna Announces New Leaders in Health Care Management
HARTFORD, Conn.-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - Aetna (NYSE:AET) today announced changes to its Health Care Management organization's leadership team that are designed to further enhance relationships with health care providers, expand quality improvement programs and intensify the organization's...
CSC Named Premier Value Provider for Community Bankers' SmartLender Program
FALLS CHURCH, Va., June 30 PRNewswire — CSC (NYSE: CSC) today announced that ICBA SmartLender LLC has selected CSC as its provider of merged mortgage credit and automated valuation reports. These reports, used to streamline the mortgage underwriting process, are now available to...
New Wellness Study: Employees with Balanced Diets Have 10 Times More Energy
CHICAGO-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - ComPsych Corporation has released its 2008 Health & Productivity Index, a workplace wellness study which revealed only 5 percent of employees with unbalanced diets had high levels of energy, while 50 percent of workers with balanced diets had high...
The Insurance Industry Welcomes a New Alternative to On-line Contracting with Pangea for Insurance
CHAPIN, S.C.-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - Until now, many insurance providers have had to rely on paper intensive manual programs and basic background screening platforms to assist them in processing their non-typical workforce of insurance producers. General Information Services, Inc. (GIS...
DLF Pramerica Life Insurance Co. Receives Regulatory Approval to Start Operations
NEW DELHI, India-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - DLF Pramerica Life Insurance Co. Ltd. (DPLI), a joint venture between DLF, a leading real estate development company in India, and Prudential Financial, Inc. (PFI) (NYSE:PRU), a financial services leader headquartered in the United States, today...
Search Our News Using Google Search
Can't find what you want? Try using Google:
