OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A.M. Best Co. has withdrawn the financial strength rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) and issuer credit rating (ICR) of “a” of Protective Life Insurance Company of New York (Greece, NY), following its merger with and into its affiliate, Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company (PL&A) (Birmingham, AL).

A.M. Best also has withdrawn the FSR of A (Excellent) and ICR of “a” of United Investors Life Insurance Company(Omaha, NE), following its merger with and into its parent, Protective Life Insurance Company (PLIC) (headquartered in Birmingham, AL). Both mergers were effective July 1, 2012.

PLIC and PL&A are wholly owned subsidiaries of Protective Life Corporation(Protective) (headquartered in Birmingham, AL) [NYSE: PL]. The FSR of A+ (Superior) and ICRs of “aa-”of PLIC and PL&A and the ICR of “a-”of Protective are unchanged.

The methodology used in determining these ratings is Best’s Credit Rating Methodology, which provides a comprehensive explanation of A.M. Best’s rating process and contains the different rating criteria employed in the rating process. Best’s Credit Rating Methodology can be found at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology.

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2012 by A.M. Best Company, Inc.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

A.M. Best
Michael Adams, 908-439-2200, ext. 5133
Senior Financial Analyst
michael.adams@ambest.com
or
Rachelle Morrow, 908-439-2200, ext. 5378
Senior Manager, Public Relations
rachelle.morrow@ambest.com
or
William Pargeans, 908-439-2200, ext. 5359
Assistant Vice President
william.pargeans@ambest.com
or
Jim Peavy, 908-439-2200, ext. 5644
Assistant Vice President, Public Relations
james.peavy@ambest.com

Source: A.M. Best Co.