Standard & Poor's raised its counterparty credit and financial strength ratings on Arch Capital Group Ltd. operating subsidiaries Arch Reinsurance Ltd., Arch Reinsurance Co., Arch Insurance Co., Arch Specialty Insurance Co., Arch Excess & Surplus Insurance Co., and Arch Insurance Co. (Europe) Ltd. (collectively, Arch) to 'A' from 'A-'. The outlook is stable.

Arch Insurance Co. is AquaGuardian’s reinsurance partner for General Liability, Workman’s Comp., and Auto coverages. This upgrade brings S&P’s rating in line with A.M. Best’s ‘A’ rating which was awarded last fall. “We are very pleased that the operating prudence of Arch has strengthened its credit ratings in the financial marketplace. It is reassuring to know that when one of our insureds has a claim, the financial backing is present to pay that claim,” said Peter Godfrey, Vice President of AIMS Insurance Program Managers.

Standard & Poor's credit analyst Laline Carvalho said, "The upgrade reflects Arch's strong operating performance since inception in absolute and relative terms, its broad and well-diversified business platform, and its strong quantitative and qualitative risk management capabilities, which should help the group mitigate reserve risk associated with its casualty book of business and effectively implement cycle management strategies."

To find out how you can protect your business with a company that has proven itself worthy of your trust, contact Peter Godfrey or Greg McClelland at AIMS Insurance Program Managers (602) 635 4848. AIMS manages the AquaGuardian program.