WESTERN NEWS ZONE......

California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner has approved the purchase of 21^st Century Insurance Group.

On April 16, Zurich Financial Services and Farmers Insurance Group announced the planned acquisition of AIG's Personal Auto Group, which includes 21^st Century Insurance Group. Following an extensive review process by the Department of Insurance, Poizner approved the purchase of 21^st Century Insurance Group.

The Department anticipates this transaction to become effective July 1. As part of the approval process, Farmers Insurance Group will be required to submit a written report to the Department of Insurance providing an update on the integration process on or before Oct. 30.