NEW YORK, January 12, 2004—Fortis, Inc., under its planned name Assurant, Inc., a provider of specialized insurance and insurance-related products, today announced that Larry Cains has been appointed Senior Vice President, Investor Relations.

Cains, who is a member of the Fortis, Inc. Management Board, was previously the Company's Senior Vice President, Finance. He will report to Rob Pollock, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. "Larry's extensive knowledge of our company, combined with his strong financial background, uniquely qualifies him for this position," said J. Kerry Clayton, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fortis, Inc.

Cains has worked at Fortis, Inc. for 16 years, over which time he has served in a variety of finance positions. His experience in accounting, finance and general management spans three decades, working at Marsh & McLennan, Arthur Andersen and the Hertz Corporation.

Cains earned a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Long Island University and is a Certified Public Accountant. About Fortis, Inc.
Fortis, Inc. is a financial services company that, through its operating companies and affiliates, has built leadership positions and has partnered with clients who are leaders in a number of specialty insurance market segments in the U.S. The company has approximately $22 billion in assets.

Contact:
Melissa Kivett
Fortis, Inc.
212-859-7029