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[March 12, 2010]

A.M. Best Assigns Rating to PartnerRe Finance B LLC's Senior Notes

OLDWICK, N.J. --(Business Wire)-- A.M. Best Co. has assigned a debt rating of "a-" to the recently issued $500 million fixed rate 5.50% senior unsecured notes due 2020 issued by PartnerRe Finance B LLC. These notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by PartnerRe Ltd. (PartnerRe) (Hamilton, Bermuda) [NYSE: PRE]. The rating outlook is stable.

As a result of this debt issuance, PartnerRe's unadjusted financial leverage is projected to be maintained in the mid-teens, which remains supportive of its current rating level. PartnerRe's strong and consistent historical earnings performance has resulted in solid fixed charge coverage measures. PartnerRe intends to utilize the proceeds of the senior notes issuance for general corporate purposes.

The debt rating reflects PartnerRe's excellent business profile, strong risk-adjusted capitalization and strong enterprise risk management practices. Somewhat offsetting these strengths are PartnerRe's exposure to catastrophic losses and the challenges associated with the ongoing integration of PARIS RE.

For Best's Credit Ratings, an overview of the rating process and rating methodologies, please visit www.ambest.com/ratings.

The principal methodologies used in determining these ratings, including any additional methodologies and factors that may have been considered, can be found at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology.

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is a global full-service credit rating organization dedicated to serving the financial and health care service industries, including insurance companies, banks, hospitals and health care system providers. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

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