Symetra Financial, Bellevue, Wash., has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Medical Risk Managers, Inc. (MRM) of South Windsor, Conn. The deal is expected to close by the end of second quarter 2007 and be accretive to earnings during the first twelve months. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Symetra provides employee benefits, retirement plans, annuities and life insurance, and is an industry leader in medical stop loss coverage designed for employers that self-insure their group health plans. Stop loss helps employers protect self-funded health care plans against large potentially catastrophic claims, which reduces their overall risk exposure.

MRM is a full-service managing general underwriter and health care network consulting firm specializing in the stop loss market. MRM will remain in South Windsor and manage staff and operations independently as a wholly owned subsidiary of Symetra Financial Corporation. In addition, Mike McLean, chief executive officer of MRM, will continue to lead the company, which will underwrite self-funded business for multiple partners in
addition to Symetra.

Symetra's acquisition of MRM will strengthen its diverse stop loss portfolio and increase penetration in the employee benefits market.

"Bringing MRM on board further enhances Symetra's presence in the medical stop loss insurance marketplace," said Randy Talbot, president and chief executive officer of Symetra. "Some 30 years ago, our company was one of the pioneers of group stop loss coverage and Symetra remains at the forefront of this important industry today."

As a managing general underwriter, MRM has developed an innovative strategy for designing stop loss plans based on cutting-edge network pricing, efficient claims management and comprehensive risk analysis. MRM will compliment Symetra's ability to customize group stop loss plans in conjunction with employers, benefits brokers and consultants, third-party administrators, administrative service organizations, health care networks, medical providers and other partners.

"We have worked hard to establish MRM as a leading source of stop loss underwriting expertise, so it was important to find the kind of partner that would carry our company's legacy forward," said McLean. "Symetra shares our vision for the future of the stop loss market, and we very much look forward to being a part of their business."

Scott Taylor, senior vice president of the group division at Symetra, said, "By taking a network-driven approach, MRM has developed a unique reputation as one of the most innovative architects of stop loss plans. This acquisition will strengthen Symetra's standing as a market leader."

For more information, visit Symetra Financial's website at www.symetra.com. To learn more about MRM visit www.mrm-mgu.com.

Special Reports /

Symetra Financial to Acquire Medical Risk Managers, Inc.

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