First Beacon Assigned ‘B++’

A “B++” FSR was assigned to First Beacon Insurance Company, Burlington, Vt., by A.M. Best. Cited as major rating factors were the company’s favorable operating results, secure capitalization, sound liquidity and strategic role as a captive subsidiary of Lucent Technologies. First Beacon insures various global property/casualty risks of Lucent and its subsidiaries, and has also generated significant new business for the parent as a provider of creditor-placed insurance programs to financial institutions.