WINDSOR, Conn., July 12 -- LIMRA issued the following news release:

LIMRA and LOMA have launched Summit Circle, a new program to honor international companies that have at least 25 years of continuous membership in either organization.

As long-time members, these companies understand the valuable research and services LIMRA and LOMA provide, and how this knowledge can help them develop a professional, productive home office staff and field force. Through their membership, these companies have been able to establish their market leadership by using the global best practices LIMRA and LOMA have identified within the insurance and financial services industry.

"The companies honored have exemplified the greatest commitment to leadership and professionalism," said Robert Kerzner, president and CEO, LIMRA, LOMA and LL Global. "LIMRA and LOMA offer relevant and timely information on industry trends and cutting edge solutions to real problems. Our members -- especially those that have maintained long-term continuous membership -- understand the importance of having this knowledge to be competitive in today's market."

Within the Summit Circle, companies are ranked by their length of membership. There are three levels: 25 -- 49 years, 50 -- 74 years, and 75 years or more. Out of 1,200 member companies worldwide, only 51 companies were inducted into the Summit Circle in 2012. Many companies have the distinction of being members of both LIMRA and LOMA for at least 25 years, earning a place in both organizations' Summit Circles.

This is true with our two oldest member companies: Grupo Nacional Provincial in Mexico celebrates two important milestones this year: 85 years as a LIMRA member (joined in 1927) and 80 years as a LOMA member (joined in 1932). In Japan, Nippon Life Insurance Company enjoys the distinction of being LOMA's oldest member in Asia, joining in 1931 (81 years). Nippon Life Insurance Company has been a LIMRA member for 60 years (since in 1952).

In total, 51 companies in Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean have been inducted into LIMRA or LOMA's Summit Circles for 2012.

* Circle in 2012; 14 joined the LOMA Summit Circle. * Ten Latin American companies were inducted into LIMRA and LOMA's Summit Circles. * Seventeen life insurers in the Caribbean were selected to be Summit Circle members.

For a list of the companies inducted, please visit: Summit Circle Members (http://www.loma.org/aboutus/summitcircle.aspx).

TNS MGD120713-JF78-3950573 StaffFurigay