(Editor's Note: The following article is being republished to reflect that the outlook is revised to positive from negative, not to positive from stable, as was reported in a previous release.) NEW YORK (Standard & Poor's) April 17, 2003--Standard & Poor's Ratings Services today said it revised its outlook on Markel Corp. (Markel), Markel International Insurance Co. Ltd., and Markel's U.S. insurance subsidiaries to positive from negative because of the historically strong underwriting results of Markel's U.S. insurance operations, the company's position as a leading writer in the U.S. surplus lines market, and adequate operating company capitalization. It also said it affirmed its 'BBB-' counterparty credit rating on Markel, its 'A-' counterparty credit and financial strength ratings on Markel's U.S.
