A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of A (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of "a" of the reinsurance subsidiaries of Bermuda-based Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. All ratings have been removed from under review and assigned a stable outlook.

A.M. Best has also assigned a debt rating of "bbb" to $250 million of senior notes just issued by Platinum. A.M. Best has affirmed the ICR of "bbb" of Platinum and all its existing debt ratings. The rating actions follow Platinum's capital raising initiative, which resulted in the issuance of the $250 million 7.50 percent senior unsecured notes that are due in 2017.

The ratings firm noted that the proceeds from these notes improve the group's overall capital position and, in particular, include a significant capital contribution to Platinum's Bermuda subsidiary, Platinum Underwriters Bermuda Ltd., whose risk-adjusted capital had declined significantly as a result of the southeast windstorms in 2004.

A.M. Best considered the financial leverage and fixed charged coverage as part of its analysis. A.M. Best expects Platinum to maintain its level of debt to capital below 30 percent and to maintain a fixed charge coverage in the mid to upper single digit range.

The revised outlook reflects A.M. Best's view that Platinum has improved its risk-adjusted capital position to a level supportive of its current financial strength ratings. A.M. Best will monitor Platinum to ensure that as rates continue to soften in its core markets, the company maintains underwriting discipline and executes its business strategy.

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Canada's national public broadcaster has joined CableVision's line-up.

Bermuda CableVision announced yesterday that it has added CBC Television to its Variety Tier on digital cable which is now available island wide.

CBC broadcasts a variety of news, sport and comedy shows including the hour long evening news and current affairs program The National with anchor Peter Mansbridge, the comedy show "This Hour Has 22 Minutes", "CBC Sports Saturday hosted by Scott Russell" and "ICC Cricket World" which covers recent cricket action including all Test and One-Day International matches.

"Our customers have been asking us if we could add CBCto our line-up, and we're pleased to have it now," says Alan Smith, CableVision's Operations Manager. "Bermuda residents are sure to enjoy the programming, which is a great mix of news, award-winning series, sports, documentaries, and children's shows."

Bermuda CableVision is offering a free upgrade to digital, normally costing $100, to all existing customers who wish to upgrade to digital service between now and June 30.

The service gives viewers access to 180 channels as well as dozens of interactive games, enhanced parental control options and a customisable interactive programme guide.

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David B. Kelso has joined the Board of Directors of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited in a non-executive capacity. He was also appointed to the Audit and Investment Committees of the Board. Mr. Kelso is currently a financial advisor for Kelso Advisory Services, a company he began in 2003 following two years with Aetna, Inc. in Hartford, CT serving as Executive Vice President, Strategy and Finance. Previously he was executive vice president, chief financial officer and managing director of Chubb Corporation in Warren, NJ. The addition of Mr. Kelso brings the total number of Directors to 10 and the number of independent Directors to six.

Paul Myners, Chairman of the Board said: "I am confident that David's financial expertise and considerable business experience will benefit Aspen as we continue to build our franchise. I look forward to working with David and expect that his addition to the Board will broaden our collective skill set and further the Board's efforts to provide sound guidance to the Company."