NY -- Standard & Poor's CreditWire 8/11/98 û Standard & Poor's today raised its financial strength and counterparty credit ratings of Evanston Insurance Co., Markel American Insurance Co.,Essex Insurance Co., and Markel Insurance Co., which are all subsidiaries of Markel Corp., to single-'A'-plus from single-'A'. Standard & Poor's views these companies as core members of the Markel group, and rates them all as one unit. Standard & Poor's also raised its senior debt and counterparty credit ratings on Markel Corp. to triple-'B'-plus from triple-'B', and the trust preferred capital securities of Markel Capital Trust I (which are guaranteed by Markel Corp.) to triple-'B' from triple-'B'-minus. The upgrades are based on the group's improved earnings and capital position. Major rating factors
