This release contains statements concerning or incorporating expectations, assumptions, plans, objectives, future financial or operating performance and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. There are risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from predicted results in forward-looking statements, including the ability to consummate the acquisition of THOMCO by Markel; the ability to promptly and effectively integrate the operations of Markel and THOMCO; timing to consummate the proposed transaction and any necessary actions to obtain required regulatory approval; potential disruption of current THOMCO business relationships because of the transaction; loss of key employees; and increased operational and control risks during the integration process.