OREANDA-NEWS. A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and the issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “aa-” of the four participating property/casualty pool members and 31 reinsured affiliates of Nationwide Group (Nationwide). A.M. Best also has affirmed the FSR of B+ (Good) and the ICR of “bbb-” of Nationwide Indemnity Company (NIC), the group’s run-off entity for asbestos and environmental claims. Additionally, A.M. Best has affirmed the issue ratings of “a” of five surplus notes totaling $2.2 billion issued by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (Nationwide Mutual).