NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) May 7, 2007--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today it assigned its 'BBB+' senior unsecured debt rating to Unitrin Inc.'s (NYSE:UTR; BBB+/Stable/--) $300 million senior unsecured notes due May 15, 2017. This drawdown is from the previously rated shelf on Aug. 5, 2005. The company intends to use the proceeds to repay the $300 million aggregate principal amount of the 5.75% senior notes due July 1, 2007. Pending repayment of the 5.75% senior notes, the company may invest the net proceeds from this offering in short-term marketable securities. "The rating is based on the group's strong financial flexibility and liquidity, conservative debt leverage and interest coverage, and strong and improving competitive position, driven mostly by
