EXHIBIT 5.2
                                                                                
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
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CONTACT:                            STANLEY BRAUN,
                                    PRESIDENT & CEO
                                    (818) 593-8258

                                    JAMES K. WHITE
                                    KEHOE, WHITE, SAVAGE & CO.
                                    (310) 437-0655

                     PAC RIM HOLDING CORPORATION ANNOUNCES
                     -------------------------------------
                           MERGER OR SALE DISCUSSIONS
                           --------------------------


     WOODLAND HILLS, CALIFORNIA, SEPTEMBER 16, 1996:  Pac Rim Holding
Corporation (NASDAQ--PRIM) today announced that it has received a proposal from
Superior National Insurance Group regarding a possible transaction involving a
merger with or sale of the Company to Superior National Insurance Group.

     Pac Rim stated that while no final terms have been agreed upon and no
definitive agreement has been executed, and while there can be no assurance that
a transaction will be completed, the proposal contemplates a total cash
consideration of approximately $54 million resulting in a receipt by common
shareholders and other interest holders of approximately $3.00 per share.

     Pac Rim further stated that if an agreement concerning a transaction
involving the Company was approved by the Company's Board of Directors, the
transaction would be subject to regulatory approval and various other
conditions.  Also, a special meeting of stockholders would be called to consider
the transaction.

     Pac Rim Holding Corporation, through its subsidiary, The Pacific Rim
Assurance Company, is engaged in the writing of workers' compensation insurance
in California, Arizona, Texas, and Georgia.

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