NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Dec. 15, 2005--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today it assigned its preliminary 'BBB+' senior debt, 'BBB' subordinated debt, 'BBB-' junior subordinated, and 'BBB-' preferred stock ratings to St. Paul Travelers Cos.' (NYSE:STA) recently filed universal shelf. The new shelf has an undesignated notional amount in accordance with the new SEC rules effective Dec. 1, 2005. At the same time, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'BBB+' counterparty credit rating on STA. The outlook remains positive. "The ratings on STA and its insurance group are based on the group's very strong market position, improved operating performance, strong capitalization, and strong financial flexibility," explained Standard&Poor's credit analyst John Iten. "Partially offsetting these strengths is the
