A.M. Best has downgraded the financial strength rating to D (Poor) from B- (Fair) and the issuer credit rating to "c" from "bb-" of Lincoln General Insurance Company. The ratings have been removed from under review with negative implications and assigned a negative outlook.

The downgrades are a result of a significant drop in Lincoln's risk-adjusted capitalization and change in business profile following its submission on May 7, 2009, of a proposed RBC Plan for the company. This action comes from a decision by Lincoln's ultimate parent, Kingsway Financial Services, not to continue operations at Lincoln following several years of significant operating losses, which culminated in a regulatory action level event on March 1, 2009.