CNA and Near North Risk Technologies AnnounceStrategic Alliance, Form Envision Technology...

New entity to develop and distribute risk management information

systems to corporate and healthcare risk managers, brokers, agents,

insurance companies and TPAs

Near North Risk Technologies, a member of the Near North National Group, and CNA (NYSE:CNA) today announced

a joint venture and the formation of Envision Technology Solutions, LLC. This entity was formed in response to market demand for the Envision suite of products, which are designed to provide innovative technology solutions to insurance companies, brokers, agents and risk management professionals.

"We are proud to be partnering with CNA, one of the world's premier insurance organizations," commented Chairman and CEO Mike Segal. "It is a testament to the strides our organization has made since venturing into the software business only a few years ago."

The partnership generates increased business opportunities for the Envision products by expanding distribution channels and accelerating investments in technological development and client services.

"Until now, our sales efforts have focused almost entirely on corporations and healthcare organizations. This strategy has been successful; we currently have more than 200 clients across the nation," commented Eileen Oswald, national sales manager of Envision Technology Solutions. "This joint venture makes it possible to introduce our products to critical market segments that can benefit from our technology."

CNA also benefits from the partnership. "CNA's decision to form a joint venture was based on our confidence in the existing Envision product line and the staff's expertise in development, conversion and client service," said David W. Wroe, CNA Technologies senior vice president and chief technology officer. "We are impressed with the extent to which the Envision products can simplify the management of risk, and believe they are ideal complements to our product and service line."

About Envision Products

Envision products offer desktop solutions that increase user efficiency and effectiveness in claims administration, litigation monitoring, cost containment and decision support. The Envision family of products includes:

-- RiskEnvision(R), a fully integrated, Windows(R)-based system

consisting of workers' compensation, general liability, property

and automobile liability modules, assists with claim data

management, incident tracking and trending, policy and litigation

management and work flow management. -- HealthVision has the same features has RiskEnvision plus a

professional liability module. -- WebEnvision is the web-enabled feature of RiskEnvision and

HealthVision. -- CompVision is a related product that helps users track workers'

compensation claims and includes a cost containment function. -- Modvision is a state-of-the-art experience modification

calculator.

About Envision Technology Solutions, LLC

Envision Technology Solutions is a leading developer and distributor of risk management information systems for insurance companies, brokers, agents and risk management professionals. The company is based in Salt Lake City and has offices in Chicago, Nashville, Phoenix and Seattle. Internet: www.envision-ts.com. Telephone: 1.801.568.1818.

About Near North National Group

Near North National Group is a leading provider of insurance brokerage, risk management, technology and financial products and services to businesses, individuals and institutions around the world. The client base encompasses a diverse group of industries, including entertainment, healthcare, fine arts, real estate and construction.

Near North is headquartered in Chicago and has offices in Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Tampa, Washington, DC, and London. The company has over 600 employees. Internet: www.nnng.com. Telephone: 1.800.859.6719.

About CNA

CNA is one of the world's premier insurance organizations. With 1997 revenues of $17.0 billion, CNA ranks among the top 10 U.S. insurance groups and largest providers of commercial insurance and risk management services.

Headquartered in Chicago, CNA is a leading multi-line insurer, serving individuals and businesses with a broad range of insurance products and insurance-related services. CNA products and services are marketed through multiple distribution channels, including independent agents, brokers, general agents and direct sales.

Since 1897, CNA has built on a foundation of financial strength, stability and commitment to customers and business partners. CNA is the registered service mark and trade name of CNA Financial Corporation.