PRESS RELEASE: Advance information on the semi-annual results 2013: Nationale Suisse expects to post a good result in spite of a downturn in the growth in pr...

Nationale Suisse / Advance information on the semi-annual results 2013: Nationale Suisse expects to post a good result in spite of a downturn in the growth in premiums . Processed and transmitted by Thomson Reuters ONE. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Prior to publication of the semi-annual results on 5 September 2013, Nationale Suisse informs that the insurance group will record a downturn in the growth in premiums. However, the company still expects a good profit for the first half of 2013 that is in line with the medium-term objectives on a pro rata basis. From today's point of view it will be higher than the half-yearly profit 2012 (taking into account the positive effect from a change to the rules relating to the pension fund in Switzerland in the first half of 2012, amounting to CHF 6.8 million after tax).

For reasons of transparency Nationale Suisse gives notice of the insurance group's fall in premiums for the first half of 2013 prior to publication of the semi-annual results on 5 September 2013. In contrast to the first half of 2012, where growth of 3.4 % was reported, premiums in the original currency have dropped by 3.8 %.

Economic factors and selective underwriting policy in the specialty lines

This fact can be attributed, among other things, to the decline in premiums of 7.2 % in the specialty lines business. Specifically, the cyclical Engineering and Credit Life specialty lines, contrary to planning, were unable to show an upturn in the first half of 2013. In Engineering, which is particularly affected, this development stems from a slow down in project business due to the difficult economic climate and from a selective underwriting policy. At the same time, the engineering market is characterised by much greater capacities in the reinsurance and the primary insurance market, which makes it significantly more difficult to underwrite high quality business at reasonable prices. The uncertainties in the economy and thus difficult credit markets in Italy, Belgium, but equally in Switzerland, also have a negative impact on premium growth in the Credit Life business.

Non-Life Foreign Countries also depressed as a result of the European economic situation and restructuring

Moreover, the fall in premiums is particularly significant in the motor vehicle liability insurance business in the Non-Life Foreign Countries segment. Here, too, the tense economic climate in Italy, Spain and Belgium, has left its mark in the first half of 2013. In addition, far-reaching portfolio restructuring has been undertaken in this business.

Changes to the range of products in the traditional life business in Switzerland

Finally, Nationale Suisse has had to accept a lower volume of premiums in the first half of 2013 in the traditional life business in Switzerland. This was in accord with the strategy chosen to change to a less capital-intensive range of products which was completed in 2012.

Good half-year profit expected in line with the medium-term objective on a pro rata basis

The negative growth in premiums, however, has not had an impact on the Group's profit. Nationale Suisse expects a good profit for the first half of 2013 that is in line with the medium-term objectives on a pro rata basis. From today's point of view it will be higher than the half-yearly profit 2012 (taking into account the positive effect from a change to the rules relating to the pension fund in Switzerland in the first half of 2012, amounting to CHF 6.8 million after tax).

Publication of the semi-annual results 2013 on 5 September 2013

Further details on the results for the first half of 2013 will be published on 5 September 2013. A media and a financial analysts' conference will be held the same day in Zurich.

Further information

www.nationalesuisse.com/semi-annual-report

Brief profile

Nationale Suisse is an innovative, international and independent Swiss insurance group providing first-rate risk and pension solutions in non-life and life business as well as a growing number of tailored specialty lines products. Consolidated gross premiums came to CHF 1.51 billion in 2012. The Group comprises the parent company and about 20 subsidiaries and branch offices for focused product lines in Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Latin America and Turkey. The headquarters of Swiss National Insurance Company Ltd are in Basel. Nationale Suisse is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (NATN). On 31 December 2012, the Group employed 1 880 staff (full-time equivalents).

Information Remo Meier Nationale Suisse Investor Relations Steinengraben 41 Phone +41 61 275 22 45 4003 Basel Fax +41 61 275 22 21 Switzerland remo.meier@nationalesuisse.com www.nationalesuisse.co m/investor-relations

Christina Hartmann Nationale Suisse Media Relations Steinengraben 41 Phone +41 61 275 23 40 4003 Basel Fax +41 61 275 22 21 Switzerland christina.hartmann@nationalesuisse.com www.nationalesuisse.co m/media-relations

Key dates Publication of the Interim Report 05.09.2013 Media conference to announce interim financial results 05.09.2013 at Widder Hotel, Zurich Financial analysts' conference at Widder Hotel, Zurich 05.09.2013

Disclaimer and exclusion of liability

The purpose of this press release is to inform the public about certain events or developments arising from the company's business. The information published in this article is not an advertisement, offer or recommendation to engage in transactions involving securities or other products of Nationale Suisse or any other type of transaction. This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements. Even if these forward-looking statements reflect the opinion and expectations of Nationale Suisse, a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors may lead to actual developments and results differing strongly from the expectations of Nationale Suisse. It is pointed out expressly that the statements and projections contained in this press release are selective in nature. Nationale Suisse provides no guarantee, either explicitly or implicitly, regarding the accuracy and completeness of the statements and forecasts published in this press release. Neither Nationale Suisse nor its executive bodies or senior managers accept any liability for any damage or losses arising directly or indirectly from the use of this press release. Unless otherwise provided by applicable binding law Nationale Suisse is under no obligation to update or amend the statements contained in this press release, be it in response to new information, future events or any other reasons.

Updated post-publication information is available on our website www.nationalesuisse.com. You may find further details and forecasts about the business of Nationale Suisse there.

Press release: http://hugin.info/100296/R/1723095/574206.pdf

This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of Thomson Reuters clients.

The owner of this announcement warrants that:

(i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and

(ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the

information contained therein.

Source: Nationale Suisse via Thomson Reuters ONE

HUG#1723095

--- End of Message ---

Nationale Suisse

Steinengraben 41 Basel

WKN: 1081197;ISIN: CH0010811971;

http://www.nationalesuisse.com (END) Dow Jones Newswires

   August 15, 2013 01:01 ET (05:01 GMT)- - 01 01 AM EDT 08-15-13