Fairfax Announces Disposition of Its Interest in Cunningham Lindsey Group Limited

TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Oct. 1, 2012) –

(Note: All dollar amounts in this press release are expressed in U.S. dollars.)

Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (“Fairfax”) (TSX:FFH)(TSX:FFH.U) announces that Cunningham Lindsey Group Limited has entered into a merger agreement pursuant to which Fairfax will effectively sell its interest in Cunningham Lindsey for proceeds of approximately $260 million, subject to closing adjustments. Fairfax’s interest in Cunningham Lindsey is currently recorded in its financial statements at $108.3 million. Fairfax will invest up to approximately $35 million of the proceeds in shares of Cunningham Lindsey on closing to continue to be a minority shareholder. The transaction is subject to normal closing conditions including regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the fourth quarter.

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