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

CNA FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware		1-5823		36-6169860
(State or other jurisdiction		(Commission		(IRS Employer
of incorporation)		File Number)		Identification No.)

333 S. Wabash, Chicago, Illinois		60604
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (312) 822-5000

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

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 (see General Instruction A.2. below):

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

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

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

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

 

 

ITEM 8.01 OTHER EVENTS.

On November 1, 2010, the registrant issued a press release announcing that it has proposed to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of CNA Surety Corporation that are not currently owned by subsidiaries of the registrant for $22 per share in cash. The press release is filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K.

This communication is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities. Any solicitation or offer will only be made through materials filed with the SEC. CNA Surety Corporation stockholders and other interested parties are urged to read these materials when they become available because they will contain important information. CNA Surety Corporation stockholders will be able to obtain such documents (when available) free of charge at the SEC’s web site, www.sec.gov. CNA Surety Corporation stockholders will also be able to obtain these documents that are filed by the registrant (when available) for free from the registrant at www.cna.com or at 333 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60604.

ITEM 9.01 EXHIBITS.

(d) Exhibits:

See Exhibit Index.

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 hereunto duly authorized.

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.		Description
99.1		CNA Financial Corporation press release, issued November 1, 2010, announcing proposal to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of CNA Surety Corporation that are not currently owned by subsidiaries of the registrant