Best’s News & Research Service - April 16, 2014 11:17 AM (EDT)
A.M. Best Places Ratings of Abbaszadeh Dental Group, Inc.'s Subsidiaries Under Review
Oldwick //BestWire// - A.M. Best has placed under review with positive implications the financial strength rating (FSR) of A- (Excellent) and the issuer credit ratings (ICR) of "a-" of the key insurance subsidiaries of Abbaszadeh Dental Group, Inc. (ADG), which include Access Dental Plan (ADP) and Premier Access Insurance Company (PAIC). These companies are headquartered in Sacramento, CA.
These actions follow the recent announcement by Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian) (New York, NY) of its agreement to purchase ADG from its principal owners. The acquisition will expand Guardian's established presence in the dental market by adding employer groups and broadening its provider network. Additionally, the transaction should enhance Guardian's operations through access to ADG's government dental program business, dental practice centers and its business process outsourcing.
The under review status reflects A.M. Best's view that ADP and PAIC will benefit from being part of Guardian. The ratings will remain under review pending the completion of the transaction, which is expected to occur in the third quarter of 2014 pending regulatory approval.
The FSR, ICRs and debt ratings of Guardian and its subsidiaries 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.
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