Press Releases

OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A.M. Best Co. has upgraded the issuer credit ratings (ICR) to "bb+" from "bb" and affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of B (Fair) of First Acceptance Insurance Group (First Acceptance) (Nashville, TN) and its members.

Concurrently, A.M. Best has upgraded the ICR to "b" from "b-" for First Acceptance's publicly traded parent holding company, First Acceptance Corporation (Delaware) (NYSE: FAC). The outlook for all ratings has been revised to positive from stable. (Please see below for a detailed listing of the companies.)

The upgrading of the ICRs for First Acceptance reflects its reduced underwriting leverage, which has had a favorable impact on its overall capitalization, coupled with consistent fee and investment income. In addition, the group has seen improvement in its underwriting and operating performance since its reserve strengthening in 2007. The rating actions also contemplate that management continues to take steps to improve underwriting results including rate increases, closure of underperforming retail stores and more efficient use of technology. As a result of these actions (coupled with current economic conditions), premium production has slowed considerably, which has positively impacted underwriting leverage and overall risk-adjusted capitalization.

The outlook contemplates the sustainability of favorable risk-adjusted capitalization, the adherence to adequate pricing and reserving discipline, and controlled growth.

The ICRs have been upgraded to "bb+" from "bb" and the FSR of B (Fair) has been affirmed for First Acceptance Insurance Group and its following pooled members:

    --  First Acceptance Insurance Company, Inc.
    --  First Acceptance Insurance Company of Georgia, Inc.
    --  First Acceptance Insurance Company of Tennessee, Inc.

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.

    Source: A.M. Best Co.

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 9, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Priority Capital Group and Pacific Office Properties Trust, Inc. (NYSE Amex:PCE) today announced commencement of the public offering of $400 million of Pacific Office senior common stock. The senior common stock, priced at $10 per share, offers a cumulative dividend of 7.25%, declared daily and paid monthly, plus the potential for dividend increases that are triggered by increases in the Pacific Office listed common stock dividend.

The senior common shares have a priority claim on dividend payments and liquidation values over other classes of Pacific Office equity securities. Investors may also exchange the senior common stock into Pacific Office's listed common stock any time after five years following the date of issuance.

The Pacific Office senior common stock will be offered exclusively through the independent broker-dealer network with Priority Capital Investments, a wholly owned subsidiary of Priority Capital Group, serving as the managing broker-dealer. Pacific Office is offering 35 million shares of senior common stock with an additional 5 million shares available through the dividend reinvestment plan. The company intends to use substantially all of the net proceeds from the offering to acquire and operate "value added" office properties located in the western United States.

Pacific Office Properties Trust, Inc. is a publicly listed real estate investment trust founded by The Shidler Group. It owns and operates a portfolio of 24 office properties that includes 44 separate buildings and totals 4.7 million square-feet of space. With a focus on long-term growth markets in the western United States, Pacific Office owns properties in Hawaii, California and Arizona.

This is neither an offer nor a solicitation to purchase securities. Such an offer can be made only by means of a prospectus. For a prospectus, please contact Priority Capital Investments, the dealer manager, at 10188 Telesis Court, Suite 130, San Diego, CA 92121 or 888.262.5631.

The Priority Capital Group logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=7078

www.prioritycg.com

CONTACT:  Priority Capital Group
          David Thailing
          858-210-3601

OAKVILLE, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 9, 2010) - Appleby College has become the first school in the world to demonstrate corporate compliance with British Standard (BS) 8848 in respect to its international service program. This incredible achievement speaks volumes about Appleby's global reputation and will help the school position itself for even greater opportunities for student international service experiences.

For more than 15 years, through both Appleby College International Service Projects and Round Square-a worldwide association of more than 80 schools-Appleby's students have participated in service trips that promote global awareness, respect for differing world views and new models of co-operation.

Compliance with BS 8848 indicates that the systems, processes and policies regarding international service trips provides for: the safety of those traveling, risk analysis, the competence and experience of the project leaders, budget, environmental concerns, and the value of the expedition to participants. The independent, third party verification of this compliance is valid for three years with an annual review.

"We are very pleased to have had the opportunity for this external evaluation of our systems. From our research, the BS 8848 is the highest benchmark globally that we can test our systems against with respect to safety. Appleby can now be certain that its international programs, a rich set of intercultural educational experiences for its students, are being run in such a way that safety is assured to the highest standards known," said Rob McGuiness, assistant head of school, global education, and director, intercultural and experiential programs.

The process began six months ago and involved an independent assessment by Young Explorers Trust (YET), the United Kingdom's national association of youth exploration societies. It culminated in two intensive evaluation days with YET members that included interviews with Appleby senior administrators, school international trip leaders and students and an examination of Appleby's school risk management procedures regarding its international service projects. Appleby met the high standards set by YET and was awarded YET approval and as such, demonstrated compliance with BS 8848.

"YET's visit was a landmark occasion. The British Standard took on its first international compliance and proved that its objectives are not only relevant to our British shores, but are equally applicable and successful further afield. I hope that this gives confidence to more schools to embrace the British Standard and its aims," said Liz Gray, YET council member. "The fact that Appleby College has invested so much time and energy into aligning its procedures and systems to the British Standard speaks volumes both for the integrity of the school and the careful safety ethos it delivers to its students and employees."

About Appleby College

Appleby College is an independent school for more than 755 young men and women in Grades 7 to 12. Founded in 1911, Appleby offers a university preparatory education to both boarding and day students. The curriculum offers an exceptionally diverse education that combines rigorous academics with dynamic arts, athletics and community service. For more information, visit www.appleby.on.ca.

About The Young Explorers' Trust (YET)

The Young Explorers' Trust, established in 1972, is an independent national charity dedicated to promoting safe and responsible expeditions for young people provided by charitable, commercial and independent education organizations. In so doing, YET aims to give young people the opportunity to widen their experience and education by taking part in exploration, discovery and challenging adventure which develops the personal qualities of service, self-sufficiency and leadership. Underpinning this aim is the belief that safe and responsible expeditioning by young people encourages greater social and cultural understanding and environmental responsibility. YET strives to represent the interests of its membership by lobbying, networking and being represented at the highest and widest possible levels in all matters pertaining to youth expeditions. For more information, visit www.theyet.org.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
        Appleby College
        Paula Kozbial
        Media Relations
        905-845-4681, ext. 137
        pkozbial@appleby.on.ca

Source: The Young Explorers' Trust (YET)

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 9, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thermadyne Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq: THMD) announced today it will release its fourth-quarter and full-year earnings after the close of the market on Tuesday, March 9, 2010.

A conference call to discuss the results will be held at 11:00 a.m. ET on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 and will be made available to the public via webcast, accessible through the investor tab on Thermadyne's web site at www.thermadyne.com.

Conference Call

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern.

To participate via telephone, please dial:

  --  U.S. and Canada: 1-800-779-8416 (Passcode: THERMADYNE / Conference ID
      1938831)
  --  International 1-312-470-0177

Those wishing to participate are asked to dial in ten minutes before the conference begins. For those unable to participate in the live conference call, a recording of the conference will be available from March 10, 2010 at 12:59 p.m. Eastern until March 18, 2010 at 1:59 a.m. Eastern by dialing U.S. and Canada (866) 436-9398; International 1-203-369-1041. Enter passcode 3031 to listen to the recording.

About Thermadyne

Thermadyne, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of metal cutting and welding products and accessories under a variety of leading premium brand names including Victor(R), Tweco(R) / Arcair(R), Thermal Dynamics(R), Thermal Arc(R), Stoody(R), TurboTorch(R), Firepower(R) and Cigweld(R). Its common shares trade on the NASDAQ under the symbol THMD. For more information about Thermadyne, its products and services, visit the Company's web site at www.Thermadyne.com.

The Thermadyne Holdings Corporation logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4937

CONTACT:  Thermadyne Holdings Corporation
          Debbie Bockius
          636-728-3031

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 9, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thermadyne Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq: THMD) will be presenting at the JP Morgan Global High Yield & Leveraged Finance Conference on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 8:45 am ET at The Loews Miami Beach Hotel in Miami, Florida.

Presentation materials will be posted to the Company's web site prior to the conference at www.thermadyne.com.

About Thermadyne

Thermadyne, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of metal cutting and welding products and accessories under a variety of leading premium brand names including Victor(R), Tweco(R) / Arcair(R), Thermal Dynamics(R), Thermal Arc(R), Stoody(R), TurboTorch(R), Firepower(R) and Cigweld(R). Its common shares trade on the NASDAQ under the symbol THMD. For more information about Thermadyne, its products and services, visit the Company's web site at www.Thermadyne.com.

The Thermadyne Holdings Corporation logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4937

CONTACT:  Thermadyne Holdings Corporation
          Debbie Bockius
          636-728-3031