Standard & Poor's yesterday affirmed several key ratings on Markel's insurance subsidiaries, then withdrew the ratings at the company's request.

Standard & Poor's yesterday affirmed several key ratings on Markel's insurance subsidiaries, and then withdrew the ratings at the company's request.

The ratings agency initially affirmed its 'A minus' counterparty credit and financial strength ratings on the specialty insurer's operations. It also affirmed its 'BBB minus' counterparty credit and financial strength ratings on Markel International Insurance.

Standard & Poor's revealed it will maintain surveillance on Markel's ratings over the next few weeks.