The FINANCIAL -- A.M. Best Co. has downgraded the financial strength rating (FSR) to B (Fair) from B++ (Good) and issuer credit rating (ICR) to "bb+" from "bbb" of Mt. Morris Mutual Insurance Company (Mt. Morris) (Coloma, WI).

The FINANCIAL -- A.M. Best Co. has assigned a financial strength rating of B++ (Good) and issuer credit ratings of "bbb+" to RetailFirst Insurance Company and BusinessFirst Insurance Company, collectively referred to as RetailFirst Insurance Group (RetailFirst).

The FINANCIAL -- The Vienna Insurance Group will strengthen its market presence in Bulgaria and consequently make better use of synergies.

The FINANCIAL -- London/Paris-03 October 2011: Fitch ratings has revised its rating outlook for the French life insurance sector to negative from stable.

The FINANCIAL -- A.M. Best Co. has withdrawn the financial strength rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and issuer credit rating (ICR) of "a" of American Physicians Insurance Company (API) (West Lake Hills, TX), following its merger with and into ProAssurance Indemnity Company, Inc. (ProAssurance Indemnity) (Birmingham, AL), effective September 30, 2011.