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 AUGUST 10, 2004 (Date of Report) CNA SURETY CORPORATION (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) 1-13277 (Commission File No.) DELAWARE 34-4144905 (State or other jurisdiction) (IRS Employer Identification No.) CNA CENTER, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60685 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) (312) 822-5000 (Registrant's telephone number, include area code) ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS See Exhibit 99 to this Form 8-K ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS (c) Exhibits Exhibit 99 - CNA Surety Corporation Press Release issued on August 10, 2004. 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. CNA SURETY CORPORATION (Registrant) By: /s/ John F. Corcoran --------------------------------- John F. Corcoran Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Dated: August 10, 2004 EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit No. 99. CNA Surety Corporation Press Release issued on August 10, 2004.