A pair of mergers has led A.M. Best to withdraw the ratings of a pair of Nationwide Financial Services subsidiaries.

The ratings service withdrew the financial strength rating of “A” (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings of “a+” for Nationwide Life Insurance Co. of America, located in Berwyn, Pa., and its subsidiary, Nationwide Life and Annuity Co. of America, based in Newark, Del. It assigned a NR-5 (not formally followed) rating to the financial strength rating and a “nr” to the issuer credit rating of the pair.

Both subsidiaries were indirect life/health subsidiaries of Columbus, Ohio-based Nationwide Financial Services, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co., which provides personal lines property-casualty coverage.

In August 2009, Nationwide Life Insurance Co. of America entered into a plan and agreement of merger with its affiliate, Nationwide Life Insurance Co., with the latter the surviving entity. In addition, Nationwide Life and Annuity Co. of America entered into an amended and restated plan and agreement of merger with Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Co., effective Sept. 4, 2009, with the latter as the surviving entity.

Both mergers closed Dec. 31, 2009, leading to the ratings change earlier this month.