JACKSONVILLE, Fla., July 8 /PRNewswire/ -- John Lombardo, Chairman of the
Board of Directors of QualSure Holding Corporation, the parent Company of
QualSure Insurance Corporation and QualSure Underwriting Agencies, Inc.,
announced today that a firm agreement has been reached by QualSure Insurance
Corporation with the owners of Sunshine State Insurance Company (SSIC) to
acquire Sunshine State.  Mr. Lombardo said that the Office of Insurance
Regulation recently issued a Consent Order for the acquisition, which in turn
is expected to close within 30 days.
    "Both QualSure Insurance Company and Sunshine State Insurance Company will
continue to operate as subsidiaries of QualSure," Mr. Lombardo said. "The
acquisition will facilitate a stronger presence in Florida and is intended to
foster both enhanced marketing capabilities and new product development.
Furthermore, both QualSure and Sunshine State remain committed to the Agency
sector."
    Mr. Lombardo added that while QualSure will move its headquarters to Ponte
Vedra Beach, FL where SSIC now resides, it intends to also continue a physical
presence in Sarasota, QualSure's current home city.
    Mr. Lombardo also announced that following the acquisition, Bruce Howson,
Chief Executive Officer of Sunshine State, will be named President and Chief
Executive Officer of QualSure Holding Corporation and all of its subsidiaries.
"We're delighted with Bruce Howson's appointment as QualSure's CEO.  Bruce has
been very successful in advancing Sunshine State as one of the premier players
in the homeowner's market in Florida and we're very excited in having him at
the helm.  This will bode well for the Qualsure Group as a whole as well as
the community at large."
    In a related statement Mr. Howson said, "I'm delighted with the confidence
of QualSure's shareholders and its Board in electing me to undertake this
exciting role.  The combination of the two companies under one holding company
provides for a unique opportunity to enjoin the management skills and
financial resources of both companies as QualSure grows both within Florida
and beyond."
    He also noted that Sunshine State recently procured licensing in South
Carolina and expects to establish a presence in other states in line with
plans for expansion.

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