OREANDA-NEWS. November 18, 2009. Moody's Investors Service announced that it had assigned a first-time insurance financial strength rating of B3 to Kommesk-Omir JSC. The rating outlook is stable, reported the press-centre of KASE.

Kommesk-Omir is a Kazakhstan based insurance company primarily focused on retail and small corporate risks in Kazakhstan. It is owned by a private equity fund that is controlled by the Centras group - a financial conglomerate. Kommesk-Omir is the 20th largest insurer in Kazakhstan with gross written premiums of KZT 1,709mn in 2008 (US 14mn) and total assets of KZT 2,704mn (US 23mn).

The rating is based on Kommesk-Omir's adequate position within the Kazakhstan insurance market supported by its relatively low risk investment strategy - with limited exposure to equities, its long history of insurance provision in Kazakhstan and its ownership by Centras group, which could provide risk management expertise. These positives are offset by the company's exposure to a relatively weak economy (Kazakhstan, rated Baa2/Neg), the competitive pressures it is under within compulsory insurance lines in Kazakhstan, the company's low market share, and the uncertainty over the long-term ownership of the company as a result of private equity ownership.

Moody's said that upward rating pressure for Kommesk-Omir may evolve over time from 1) a significant improvement in the market position of Kommesk-Omir, as indicated by sustained market share improvements 2) improvement in the Kazakhstan economic and Sovereign environment, evidenced by an upgrade in the Government rating or 3) through a improved investment portfolio, with greater exposure to more diversified and higher rated bonds and deposits

On the other hand, the rating may experience downward pressure from 1) a deterioration in the Sovereign environment or reductions in premium levels and market position, 2) protracted poor claims environment resulting in continued significant losses or 3) an increased investment risk such as investments in illiquid assets or volatile equities

The following rating was assigned:

Kommesk-Omir JSC - B3 insurance financial strength rating, stable outlook

The principal methodologies used in rating Kommesk-Omir is "Moody's Global Rating Methodology for Property and Casualty Insurers", published in July 2008 and available on www.moodys.com in the Rating Methodologies sub-directory under the Research & Ratings tab. Other methodologies and factors that may have been considered in the process of rating this issuer can also be found in the Rating Methodologies sub-directory on Moody's website.

Based in Almaty Kazakhstan, Kommesk-Omir had total assets KZT 2,704mn as at 31st December 2008 and total equity of KZT 1,739mn.