Fairfax Announces Completion of Acquisition of First Mercury Financial Corporation

TORONTO, ONTARIO — (MARKET WIRE) — 02/09/11 — (Note: All dollar amounts in this press release are expressed in U.S. dollars.)

Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (TSX: FFH)(TSX: FFH.U) (“Fairfax”) announces the successful completion today of its acquisition of First Mercury Financial Corporation (“First Mercury”) (NYSE: FMR). First Mercury shares will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange prior to the open of trading tomorrow.

Holders of physical certificates representing shares of First Mercury common stock will receive a letter of transmittal and other materials from the paying agent in connection with the transaction. These materials will have to be completed and returned to the paying agent in order for such stockholders to receive the merger consideration. Persons whose shares of First Mercury common stock are held in book entry form should expect to receive the merger consideration through their broker or other nominee or directly from the paying agent within approximately seven business days, and should contact their broker, nominee or other financial adviser for further instructions.

Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a financial services holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and investment management.

Contacts:
Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited
John Varnell
Chief Financial Officer
(416) 367-4941

Media Contact
Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited
Paul Rivett
Chief Legal Officer
(416) 367-4941