PRESS RELEASE: A.M. Best revises outlook for "A-" Rating (Excellent) of Nationale Suisse to positive

Nationale Suisse / A.M. Best revises outlook for "A-" Rating (Excellent) of Nationale Suisse to positive . Processed and transmitted by Thomson Reuters ONE. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The rating agency A.M. Best has revised the outlook for the financial strength rating of Nationale Suisse from stable to positive and affirmed the "A-" rating (Excellent) of the international insurance group. A.M. Best is acknowledging the improving operating performance and strong capitalisation of Swiss National Insurance Company Ltd, the parent company of the Nationale Suisse group. The rating also takes into account the business profile of Nationale Suisse, which is increasingly oriented towards Specialty Lines and selected target groups in the private and business client segment. This seal of quality is a crucial factor for Nationale Suisse's success in continuing to grow profitably in the Specialty Lines business. It demonstrates that Nationale Suisse is in an excellent financial position to meet its ongoing and future insurance obligations.

A.M. Best's press release on the rating of Nationale Suisse can be accessed via the following link: www.nationalesuisse.com/rating

Brief profile Nationale Suisse is an innovative, international and independent Swiss insurance group providing first-rate risk and pension solutions in non-life and life business as well as a growing number of tailored specialty lines products. Consolidated gross premiums came to CHF 1.5 billion in 2011. The Group comprises the parent company and about 20 subsidiaries and branch offices for focused product lines in Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Latin America and Turkey. The headquarters of Swiss National Insurance Company Ltd are in Basel. Nationale Suisse is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (NATN). As of 30 June 2012, the Group employed 1 877 staff (full-time equivalents).

Information

Remo Meier Nationale Suisse Investor Relations Steinengraben 41 Phone +41 61 275 22 45 4003 Basel Fax +41 61 275 22 21 Switzerland remo.meier@nationalesuisse.com www.nationalesuisse.com/investor- relations

Christina Hartmann Nationale Suisse Media Relations Steinengraben 41 Phone +41 61 275 23 40 4003 Basel Fax +41 61 275 22 21 Switzerland christina.hartmann@nationalesuisse.com www.nationalesuisse.com/media- relations

Key dates

Publication of Annual Report 2012 27.03.2013 Media conference to announce financial 27.03.2013 results at Widder Hotel, Zurich 27.03.2013 Financial analysts' conference at 06.05.2013 Widder Hotel, Zurich Annual General Meeting, Basel

Disclaimer and exclusion of liability The purpose of this press release is to inform the public about certain events or developments arising from the company's business. The information published in this article is not an advertisement, offer or recommendation to engage in transactions involving securities or other products of Nationale Suisse or any other type of transaction. This press release may contain certain forward- looking statements. Even if these forward-looking statements reflect the opinion and expectations of Nationale Suisse, a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors may lead to actual developments and results differing strongly from the expectations of Nationale Suisse. It is pointed out expressly that the statements and projections contained in this press release are selective in nature. Nationale Suisse provides no guarantee, either explicitly or implicitly, regarding the accuracy and completeness of the statements and forecasts published in this press release. Neither Nationale Suisse nor its executive bodies or senior managers accept any liability for any damage or losses arising directly or indirectly from the use of this press release. Unless otherwise provided by applicable binding law Nationale Suisse is under no obligation to update or amend the statements contained in this press release, be it in response to new information, future events or any other reasons.

Updated post-publication information is available on our website www.nationalesuisse.com. You may find further details and forecasts about the business of Nationale Suisse there.

Press Release_A.M. Best Rating of Nationale Suisse: http://hugin.info/100296/R/1665996/540762.pdf

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Source: Nationale Suisse via Thomson Reuters ONE [HUG#1665996]

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Nationale Suisse Steinengraben 41 Basel

WKN: 1081197;ISIN: CH0010811971;

http://www.nationalesuisse.com (END) Dow Jones Newswires

   December 19, 2012 12:04 ET (17:04 GMT)- - 12 04 PM EST 12-19-12