BELLEVUE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Symetra Life Insurance Company has been named a 2009 "Ward's 50" top performing insurance company. Conducted by the Ward Group, a consulting firm and leading provider of benchmarking services to the insurance industry, the Ward's 50 list is comprised of companies that have maintained outstanding financial results over the long term.

Symetra was recognized as a leading life and health insurer for achieving a strong track record in the areas of safety, consistency and performance over a five year period, from 2004 - 2008.

More than 800 life and health insurance companies domiciled in the United States are reviewed by the Ward Group for the annual financial analysis. This year's results found that Ward's 50 companies were able to grow their businesses profitably in changing market conditions.

Ward Group has conducted the listing since 1991, with the analysis based on independent, publicly available data. For a complete list of the 2009 Ward's 50 companies and to learn more about the Ward Group's benchmarking and consulting services, visit www.wardinc.com.


About Symetra Financial

Symetra Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries provide employee benefits, annuities and life insurance through a national network of benefit consultants, financial institutions and independent agents and advisors. Headquartered in Bellevue, Wash., Symetra and its subsidiaries have more than $19 billion in assets.¹ Symetra is owned by an investor group led by White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd and Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

For more information, visit www.symetra.com.

¹ Total GAAP assets and combined liabilities and stockholders' equity at Mar. 31, 2009.



Symetra Financial

Jennifer Whitman, 425-256-5361

jennifer.whitman@symetra.com

Source: Symetra Financial Corp.