James E. Little, Chairman/President and CEO of Employers Direct, stated, “This is a milestone event for our company, and we are looking forward to serving the needs of our policyholders as a Best-rated company. I am especially pleased that we received an initial rating of A- (Excellent).”

The announcement by A.M. Best recognized Employers Direct’s “effective low-cost, customer-centric business model and the timeliness of its entry into the California workers’ compensation market at a time of capacity shortages, favorable legislative reforms, and price firming.” Employers Direct is a subsidiary of Alleghany Corporation (NYSE:Y).

About EMPLOYERS DIRECT INSURANCE COMPANY
Employers Direct Insurance Company is California’s only specialty direct writer of workers’ compensation insurance. The company provides claims services designed to fight fraud and abuse and loss prevention services that assist employers to create safe work environments. Employers Direct takes advantage of the latest technology to provide its customers with 24/7 access to all policy and claims information via a secure Internet portal. Niche industries include construction, hotels, restaurants, golf and country clubs, new car dealers, food processors, manufacturing companies, specialty supermarket chains, and retailers. Visit Employers Direct online at www.employersdirect.com.

About ALLEGHANY CORPORATION
Allegany Corporation (NYSE:Y) is engaged in the property and casualty insurance business through its subsidiary Alleghany Insurance Holdings LLC (consisting of its insurance operating units RSUI Group, Inc., Capitol Transamerica Corporation, Darwin Professional Underwriters, Inc., and Employers Direct Insurance Company).