FARMINGTON, Conn., Aug. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Darwin Professional Underwriters, Inc. (NYSE:DR) and Great American Insurance Company today announced an agreement whereby Darwin will acquire renewal rights to Great American's roughly $20 million of small, standard market Lawyers Professional Liability (LPL) insurance business and related assets. Darwin currently has over $20 million of in-force premium, a mix of surplus lines and small, standard LPL business. This transaction strengthens Darwin's LPL franchise and broadens its already significant national presence in the small law firm market. Darwin intends to leverage the best practices of Great American and keep the business process consistent to ensure a smooth transition and little disruption for Great American policyholders and producers. Darwin's renewal rights are expected to commence with policies effective October 1, 2008. No liabilities associated with Great American's existing LPL policies are being transferred to Darwin in this transaction. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060829/NETU014LOGO ) Darwin's Senior Vice President and National E&O Practice Leader Nicole Haggerty commented, "This purchase allows Darwin to dramatically increase our small law firm book, by bringing our existing expertise and strong service capabilities to the small, standard law firm market. Darwin is very much in the Lawyers business, so this is an excellent fit that we are confident will provide significant benefits not only for Darwin, but also for both producers and policyholders." Kevin Gadbois, Executive Vice President of the Executive Liability Division for Great American Insurance Company, echoed Haggerty's sentiments. "Darwin is a strong, high-performing specialty insurance group with a great reputation and commitment to service," he said. "We are pleased to enter into a business arrangement that allows our producers and policyholders to continue to receive exceptional coverage and service from a respected and stable market committed to the Lawyers business. We are also committed to implementing a smooth and seamless transition of the business." Important Information This press release may contain projections, comments, and other forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Each forward-looking statement is based on Darwin's plans and expectations, as well as on current events and industry trends. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and the actual outcomes or results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by any of these statements. About Darwin Professional Underwriters, Inc. Darwin is a specialty insurance group based in Farmington, Connecticut. The company is focused on the professional liability insurance market and underwrites directors and officers ("D&O") liability for public and private companies, errors and omissions ("E&O") liability insurance, medical malpractice liability insurance, and other specialty coverages. Darwin member companies include Darwin Professional Underwriters, Inc., Darwin National Assurance Company (DNA), and Darwin Select Insurance Company (Darwin Select). DNA and Darwin Select have earned a financial strength rating of "A- (Excellent)" from A.M. Best Company. Darwin is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol, "DR." For more information about Darwin, visit http://www.darwinpro.com/. About Great American Insurance Group The Great American Insurance Group's roots go back to 1872 with the founding of its flagship company, Great American Insurance Company. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, the operations of Great American Insurance Group are engaged primarily in property and casualty insurance, focusing on specialty commercial products for businesses, and in the sale of traditional fixed, indexed and variable annuities and supplemental insurance products. This year marks the 100th year that Great American Insurance Company has received an "A (Excellent)" or higher rating from the A. M. Best Company (as of December 17, 2007). The members of the Great American Insurance Group are subsidiaries of American Financial Group. Inc. (AFC), also based in Cincinnati, Ohio. AFG's common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ under the symbol AFG. http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060829/NETU014LOGO http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Darwin Professional Underwriters, Inc. CONTACT: Jack Sennott of Darwin Professional Underwriters, Inc., +1-860-284-1918, ; or Diane Weidner of Great American Insurance Group, +1-513-369-5713, Web site: http://www.darwinpro.com/

Copyright