The Atlantic Companies and
Countrywide Insurance Group Strategic Alliance

On June 30, 2005, Countrywide Insurance Group and The Atlantic Companies formed a strategic alliance that paired the property & casualty companies of Countrywide Insurance Group's A.M. Best "A" rating† and national presence with Atlantic's reputation among independent agents to expand the availability of the Atlantic Master Plan® insurance policy nationwide to affluent individuals with substantial asset protection needs.

The strategic alliance offers an important benefit to individuals with Atlantic Master Plan policies currently in effect through a carrier of The Atlantic Companies. The alliance includes a reinsurance agreement that gives those policies the additional protection of one of the “A” rated companies of Countrywide Insurance Group. The Atlantic Companies’ strong reinsurance program with other “A” rated carriers provides protection for those losses due to hurricanes and other types of catastrophes.

In addition, The Atlantic Companies and Countrywide Insurance Group recently received regulatory approval to offer new and renewing Atlantic Master Plan policies†† through one of the property & casualty companies of Countrywide Insurance Group instead of The Atlantic Companies. This change provides the additional benefit of having the Atlantic Master Plan policy issued directly by an “A” rated insurer.

The Atlantic Companies will continue to administer the program so Atlantic Master Plan policyholders can expect to receive the same high quality customer and claim service. Policyholders should contact their agent if they have questions about the strategic alliance.

Finally, work has begun to extend the strategic alliance to the western states and Texas, where Countrywide Insurance Group will leverage The Atlantic Companies' brand to better access the affluent personal lines marketplace and offer its Atlantic Master Plan through one of Countrywide Insurance Group’s property & casualty companies.

† Property & casualty insurance companies of the Countrywide Insurance Group are rated "A" (Excellent) by the A.M. Best Company, an insurance rating and information service. An "A" rating represents A.M. Best's opinion that the underwriter has an excellent ability to meet ongoing obligations to policyholders.

†† Policies effective in Florida are issued by a property & casualty company of The Atlantic Companies, with package and other eligible policies receiving additional protection for non-catastrophe related losses through a reinsurance agreement with Countrywide Insurance Group. The Atlantic Companies’ reinsurance program with other “A” rated carriers provides protection for losses due to hurricanes and other types of catastrophes.