8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 28, 2018

THE HANOVER INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	1-13754	04-3263626
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
	440 Lincoln Street, Worcester, Massachusetts	01653
	(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (508) 855-1000

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company  ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

Item 8.01 Other Events.

On March 28, 2018, The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (the “Company”) confirmed it is undertaking a review of strategic alternatives, including a possible sale, for London-based Chaucer, its international specialty insurance business. The Company has retained Goldman Sachs & Co., LLC to serve as its adviser through the process.

A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(a) Not applicable.

(b) Not applicable.

(c) Not applicable.

(d) Exhibits.

The following exhibits are furnished herewith.

Exhibit 99.1 Press Release of The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. dated March 28, 2018.

2

Exhibit Index

Exhibit 99.1 Press Release of The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. dated March 28, 2018.

3

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.
	(Registrant)
Date: March 29, 2018	By:	/s/ J. Kendall Huber
		J. Kendall Huber
		Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Asst. Secretary

4

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

The Hanover Insurance Group is Exploring Strategic Alternatives for its International Specialty Business

WORCESTER, Mass., March 28, 2018 – The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: THG) today confirmed it is undertaking a review of strategic alternatives, including a possible sale, for London-based Chaucer, its international specialty insurance business. The company has retained Goldman Sachs & Co., LLC to serve as its adviser through the process.

The Hanover declined to provide additional details.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release, including statements regarding a possible sale, are forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  The company has not yet determined the best strategic alternative. There are no assurances that The Hanover will proceed with a transaction, and if it elects to do so, whether a sale will be consummated, the value or use of any consideration that would be received, or that any potential benefits would be realized. The Company cautions investors that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or activity, and actual results could differ materially.  Investors are directed to consider the risks and uncertainties of any such transaction and of the businesses of the company and Chaucer, including those discussed in readily available documents, including the Company's annual report and other documents filed by The Hanover with the Securities and Exchange Commission and which are also available at hanover.com under "Investors."

About The Hanover

The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. is the holding company for several property and casualty insurance companies, which together constitute one of the largest insurance businesses in the United States. The company provides exceptional insurance solutions in a dynamic world. The Hanover distributes its products through a select group of independent agents and brokers. Together with its agents, The Hanover offers standard and specialized insurance protection for small and mid-sized businesses, as well as for homes, automobiles, and other personal items. Through its international member company, Chaucer, The Hanover also underwrites business at Lloyd's of London in several major insurance and reinsurance classes, including marine, property and energy. For more information, please visit hanover.com.

CONTACTS:

Investors:	Media:
Oksana Lukasheva	Michael F. Buckley	Emily P. Trevallion
(508) 855-2063	(508) 855-3099	(508) 855-3263
olukasheva@hanover.com	mibuckley@hanover.com	etrevallion@hanover.com