A.M. Best Places Ratings of Sterling Investors Life Insurance Company Under Review [Health & Beauty Close – Up]

A.M. Best Co. has placed under review with developing implications the financial strength rating of B (Fair) and issuer credit rating of "bb+" of Sterling Investors Life Insurance Company (Sterling) (Rome, GA).

Sterling was a wholly owned subsidiary of Sterling Holdings, Inc. (Sterling Holdings), which in turn was owned 50-50 by the Joanne Yancey Residual Trust and M&D Holdings.

The under review status reflects Puritan Financial Companies, Inc's recent purchase of Sterling Holdings and its subsidiary, Sterling. Puritan is a multi-state, diversified financial services company that includes two life insurance companies, Puritan Life Insurance Company and Puritan Life Insurance Company of America, a broker-dealer and regional network of agents. Sterling will continue to market senior life/health insurance products, including Medicare supplement insurance, which represents the majority of its premium and income.

Sterling's ratings will remain under review with developing implications until A.M. Best meets with the company's new owners and management.

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 ambest.com/ratings/methodology.

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