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Western Reliance to Partner With State National Companies

State National Companies, a major supplier of insurance solutions to financial institutions, and Western Reliance Corporation, a leading west coast insurance agency and loan tracking specialist, have announced a partnership. The exclusive agreement was designed to advance economies of scale for both companies by providing Western Reliance clients with State National's force-placed insurance services including collateral protection, hazard and flood. The combination of Western Reliance's internet-based tracking solution and State National's back office operations enables the partnership to set a new industry standard in customer service.

The move allows Portland-based Western Reliance and State National to capitalize on each other's recent collateral protection insurance innovations. Western Reliance clients will have access to State National's A.M. Best "A" (Excellent) rated affiliate, State National Insurance Company, Inc. To better align efforts geographically, the companies will leverage the strengths of their field sales and service organizations.

Lonnie Ledbetter, Chairman and CEO of State National Companies, comments, "I'm excited by the great potential we now have as a result of our partnership with Western Reliance. I am positive we can deliver the best of both worlds and exceed the expectations of State National and Western Reliance clients."

In conjunction with the partnership, State National has made a significant equity investment in Western Reliance. The move further promotes State National's plan to expand nationwide as one of the few major companies specializing in force-placed insurance.

Mike Kehoe, President of Western Reliance, adds, "With State National as a provider, we can now offer our clients the best selection of underwriting, claims administration and customer service. We are pleased to link our service delivery with such a well-respected name in force-placed insurance. Having access to their cost-effective technology solutions and customer service expertise will be another tremendous benefit to our clients."

State National Senior Vice President Trace Ledbetter explains, "The history of these products is clear -- financial institutions demand expert execution from proven, committed providers. Our new relationship with Western Reliance further strengthens our position in the marketplace."

State National Companies, a privately held group of insurance companies and agencies, includes two A.M. Best "A" (Excellent) rated insurance affiliates, State National Insurance Company, Inc., and National Specialty Insurance Company. The group also includes a third affiliate, Texas-based State & County Mutual Fire Insurance Company.

For more information, please contact Mike Gallagher, Director of Marketing, State National Companies at mgallagher@statenational.com or 1-800-877-4567 ext. 1190.