Worcester-based Hanover Insurance Group Inc.’s first-quarter net income rose to $49.7 million compared with $29.3 million in the same period last year.

"We are pleased to start 2012 with solid results and positive momentum in our businesses, which overall were in line with our expectations," Hanover CEO Frederick H. Eppinger said in a statement.

"We are encouraged by the momentum of pricing increases of 6 percent in core commercial lines and 5 percent in personal lines, while maintaining strong retention in both businesses," he said.

Segment income before interest expense and taxes was $85.7 million in the first quarter of 2012, which included $40.6 million in pre-tax catastrophe losses.  In the first quarter last year, the company reported segment income before interest expense and taxes of $49.8 million, which included $49.7 million in pre-tax catastrophes losses.