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Press Press Releases 2002 Pethealth Inc. announces agreement with Association Group Insurance Administrators (AGIA), the marketer and administrator of insurance products for Affinity Group, Inc (AGI) and its member clubs. OAKVILLE, ON, November 27, 2002 Pethealth Inc. (TSX Venture Exchange: PTZ) announced today that it has formed a strategic partnership with AGIA, the marketer and administrator of Life and Health insurance products for Affinity Group, Inc (AGI) and its member clubs. Through affiliated companies and membership clubs, AGI serves the safety, security, comfort and convenience needs of the North American recreational vehicle (RV) market. This agreement, terms of which were not disclosed, will see Pethealth´s line of accident and illness pet insurance programs marketed to the more than 2 million members of AGI clubs, including the Good Sam Club, Camping World, Coast to Coast, Golf Card International and the Motorhome America Club. The marketing campaign is expected to begin at the end of the first quarter of 2003, and will be promoted through a range of vehicles including direct mail, advertising and e-commerce. AGI and its member clubs represent a significant opportunity for PetCare Pet Insurance Programs, as 59% of members own a pet. Last year more than 10 million people traveled across North America in an RV. According to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), in the next ten years the number of RV owning households will rise to 10.4 million. The deal is the latest in a series of partnership agreements for Pethealth in the United States. Pethealth announced a strategic alliance with Union Privilege to become its exclusive indemnity pet insurance provider to members of unions that belong to the AFL-CIO. Last year, Pethealth formed strategic partnerships with Petfinder.com, North America´s largest online adoption agency for dogs and cats; and with Petco Animal Supplies Inc., a leading US pet specialty retailer, to become the chain´s exclusive provider of pet insurance. Additionally in Canada strategic alliances were forged with Transcontinental Media Inc. in 2001, which promotes PetCare insurance programs to Transcontinental subscribers through the Canadian Living brand name; London Drugs Limited, which promotes PetCare insurance under the betterpethealth name; and Canadian Petcetera Limited Partnership; each of which offers PetCare insurance exclusively to their respective customer base. "The AGI membership demographic is an exciting new sector for Pethealth to promote its PetCare insurance programs to," said Mark Warren, President & CEO of Pethealth. "The deal further supports Pethealth´s strategic commitment to penetrate the U.S. pet insurance market through partnerships with well established, industry leading organizations." "As more and more AGI club members are requesting a pet insurance program, we are excited to enter into a partnership with Pethealth to offer high quality, user friendly pet insurance coverage - in addition to the financial, insurance and emergency roadside products and services already offered," said Kevin Hobbs, Vice President of Marketing of AGI. About Pethealth Founded in February 1998, Pethealth is Canada´s no. 1 provider of pet insurance and is no. 2 in the United States, currently offering its PetCare Pet Insurance Programs in 9 provinces, 43 states and Washington, D.C. Pethealth offers its pet insurance programs under a variety of names, including QuickCare, the PetCare Pet Insurance Programs, Union Plus Pet Insurance, and betterpethealth. In the United States, the PetCare Pet Insurance Programs are underwritten by Lincoln General Insurance Company, York, PA, through Avalon Risk Management Inc. In Canada, the company´s pet insurance is offered to owners of dogs and cats through its wholly owned subsidiary, PetCare Insurance Brokers Ltd. ING Insurance Company of Canada, a member of the ING Group, and Kingsway General Insurance Company underwrite PetCare products in Canada. The PetCare programs also carry the exclusive endorsements of a number of industry leaders, including veterinary medical associations representing approximately four out of five practicing veterinarians in Canada. Pethealth is based in Oakville, Ontario. Institutional investors include Dynamic Mutual Funds, through its Dynamic Venture Opportunities Fund. About AGIA AGIA, a specialist in client focused, uniquely personalized administration and marketing services, was founded in 1956 by a pioneer in the group insurance industry, James B. Wigle. By negotiating a specialized disability plan for physicians and marketing the program through the mail, AGIA helped more than 3,000 doctors secure coverage - and launched our first client. Today, AGIA proudly serves that same group of doctors, along with a diverse roster of groups and companies across the country. Since 1956, companies across America have turned to AGIA for creative, customized solutions to their administrative, marketing and product development needs. From large affinity and trade groups to leading insurance companies and governmental entities, our clients represent a broad array of successful enterprises which count on AGIA for the best in administrative, marketing and affinity based insurance sales. Over nearly 50 years of growth, we have remained true to our founding principle: Every member of the AGIA team, from top management to behind-the-scenes support personnel, is committed to serving our clients personally, the way no other company can. About AGI Affinity Group, Inc. (AGI) and its affiliated companies serve the safety, security, comfort and convenience needs of the North American recreational vehicle market. The goal is simple: They make RV ownership and the RV lifestyle more enjoyable. With various companies, brands, products and services, they target almost every aspect of this diverse and dynamic niche market. No wonder so many travelers depend on AGI on a daily basis. The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Not for dissemination in the United States of America or to United States news wire services. For further information contact: |
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