NEW YORK (Standard & Poor's) May 13, 2003--Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said today that it affirmed its 'A-' counterparty credit and financial strength ratings on Markel Corp.'s U.S. insurance subsidiaries and its 'BBB-' counterparty credit and financial strength ratings on Markel International Insurance Co. Ltd. and then withdrew the ratings at the company's request. Standard & Poor's will maintain surveillance on the counterparty credit, senior unsecured debt, and preferred stock ratings on Markel Corp.