The Hylant Group Chosen by Marathon as their Workers' Compensation Broker

CLEVELAND, Ohio - December 21, 2005 - Hylant Group, the nation’s seventh largest privately held commercial insurance brokerage, recently launched a dedicated Large Account Practice and has welcomed Marathon Oil Company to its list of significant clients. The new practice is designed to enhance and expand large account services already provided to major corporate clients.

“We believe that Hylant Group is better positioned than most national brokers to serve the unique needs of large accounts nationwide,” said Hylant chairman and CEO, Pat Hylant. “With deeper resources, proven professionals and the flexibility of a privately held firm, it only makes sense that we retool our organization to build market share by better serving this important segment.”

Beginning in January of 2006, the Cleveland office will assist Marathon with the placement of their domestic Workers Comp program.

Marathon is the fourth-largest U.S.-based fully integrated international energy company engaged in exploration and production; integrated gas; and refining, marketing and transportation operations. The company has principal exploration and production activities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Angola, Canada, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ireland, Norway and Russia. Marathon also is developing integrated gas projects that are linking stranded natural gas resources with key demand areas where domestic production is declining and demand is growing, particularly in North America. Marathon is the fifth largest refiner in the U.S. with 948,000 barrels-per-day of crude processing capacity in its seven-refinery system. The Company’s retail marketing system comprises approximately 5,500 locations in 17 states; nearly three-quarters are Marathon brand locations. Marathon serves the Midwest and Southeast as a petroleum products marketer with 85 light product and asphalt terminals and access to approximately 7,700 miles of pipeline.

Hylant Group is a 70-year old, privately held insurance brokerage serving businesses and individuals around the world. In addition to the corporate headquarters in Toledo, Ohio, the firm has offices in Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio; Troy and Ann Arbor, Michigan; as well as Indianapolis, Bloomington and Fort Wayne, Indiana. Hylant is a member of the Worldwide Broker Network and is currently ranked by the Hales Report as the seventh largest privately held broker in the nation.