NY -- Standard&Poor's CreditWire 4/9/97 -- Standard&Poor's today has affirmed its triple-`A' claims-paying ability rating on St. Paul Fire&Marine Insurance Co. Intercompany Pool (St. Paul Fire&Marine) and its double-`A' senior debt rating on the holding company, St. Paul Cos. Inc. The outlook is stable. The ratings are based on underwriting expertise and balance sheet strength. Offsetting these strengths are the company's exposure to catastrophic losses and the increasing competition in some of St. Paul Fire&Marine's most profitable but maturing business units. Major Rating Factors: -- Underwriting expertise: St. Paul Fire&Marine's underwriting expertise lies in discovering specialist segments in the commercial lines market. The growth of St. Paul Fire
