Standard and Poor’s Affirms A (Strong) Rating for the Insurance Companies of National Life Group

Montpelier, VT, July 28, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Standard & Poor’s has affirmed its A (Strong) financial strength ratings for National Life Insurance Company and Life Insurance Company of the Southwest, the two insurance companies of National Life Group.

The rating of A (Strong) is the sixth highest of the 21 categories used by Standard & Poor’s in its ranking of financial strength. The financial strength rating is designed to provide an opinion of a company’s ability to meet its policyholder obligations.

According to Standard & Poor’s, the ratings “reflect the companies’ strong operating performance, and investment and liquidity profiles.”

“National Life’s competitive position is strong,” said the S&P analysis.

Full report at: https://ektron.nationallifegroup.com/uploadedFiles/National_Life_Group/National_Life/National_Life_Document/PDF_Documents/SandP_2012.pdf

In the report S&P said, “National Life’s management team under the leadership of CEO Mehran Assadi is experienced and has the technical expertise necessary to manage the various risks within the product and investment portfolios.”

Assadi said he was pleased that S&P recognized the expertise of National Life Group’s management team. “This team is very talented and is focused on making sure we remain competitive and strong for decades to come."

The companies of National Life Group offer a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities, and investments, and financial solutions in the form of estate, business succession and retirement planning strategies. They are a leading provider of 403(b) and 457(b) tax-deferred retirement plans, primarily in the K-12 school marketplace.

National Life Group® is a trade name of National Life Insurance Company, Montpelier, Vt., Life Insurance Company of the Southwest, Addison, Texas, and their affiliates. Each company of National Life Group is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. Life Insurance Company of the Southwest is not an authorized insurer in New York and does not conduct insurance business in New York. National Life Insurance Company was founded in 1848; Life Insurance Company of the Southwest was chartered in 1955.

Equity Services, Inc. is a Broker/Dealer and Registered Investment Adviser.Sentinel Investments® is the unifying brand name for Sentinel Financial Services Company, Sentinel Asset Management, Inc., and Sentinel Administrative Services, Inc. All companies references are affiliated and located in Montpelier, VT unless otherwise indicated.

TC69544(0712)

Ratings are subject to change without notice.