Rating agency A.M. Best has revised the implications the “under review” statuses of Tower Insurance Limited and its parent company, Tower Limited, from “developing” to “negative.”

The revision comes after the Commerce Commission of New Zealand refused to grant clearance to Vero Insurance New Zealand to acquire Tower Limited. The commission said it feared that the acquisition would reduce competition in the personal insurance market.

According to A.M. Best, the “negative” status also reflects Tower Limited’s “relatively weak balance sheet strength for its current rating levels.” Tower Limited currently has a long-term issuer credit rating of “bbb-”. Tower Insurance Limited has a long-term ICR of “a-”.

A.M. Best said its concern was partially ameliorated by Tower management considering a capital raise to strengthen its consolidated capital position. The ratings will remain under review pending further discussion between the Tower Limited management team and A.M. Best, the rating agency said.


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