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.