Aviva’s Mergers and Acquisitions History Review (2025)
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- Aviva, one of the UK's largest insurers, has expanded its operations and offerings through numerous mergers and acquisitions.
- The company has notably partnered with Norwich Union, Commercial Union, and General Accident, among others.
- Its most significant growth moves occurred during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
- These strategic moves have significantly contributed to its growth, broadening the customer base and expanding the product line.
- Through these efforts, Aviva has diversified and enriched its equity release products, providing more options and flexibility to customers.
Aviva's history of mergers and acquisitions has helped them rise to the top of the retirement, wealth, and insurance industries in the UK.
Aviva is more than a company; it is a partner that will support and guide you in safeguarding the precious moments in life.
It assists customers in managing their finances, saving and investing money, and maintaining a financially secure retirement.
In This Article, You Will Discover:
The financial specialists at SovereignBoss have devoted many hours to reading, reviewing, and analysing data to provide you with the most current and accurate information about wealth, retirement, and insurance.
Therefore...
Who is Aviva?
Aviva is a United Kingdom-based financial services provider and specialised investment firm that was founded in 16961 as one of the UK’s first insurance societies.
Aviva is one of the leading investment, wealth, and retirement companies in the UK, with it's main purpose to help people better their tomorrow.
With core business values, such as care, commitment, community, and confidence, Aviva exists to be with the people when it matters.
Company History
Aviva’s company history can be traced back to the establishment of the Hand in Hand Fire and Life Insurance Society2 in London in 1696.
Aviva's Journey:
1700’s
- Amicable Society was founded as the world's first mutual life assurance society.
- Union Assurance was established and provided insurance against fire for the contents of properties.
- Insurance of London Landmarks was created to ensure many Landmarks in London including, the British Museum and Lambeth Palace.
- Norwich Union launched as a fire insurance company.
1800’s
- London businessmen establish the Commercial Union Assurance Company, following the Great Tooley Street Fire.
- Commercial Union launched the first life policy and the first marine underwater policy.
- General Accident Employers Liability Assurance Association, Ltd., was established in Perth, Scotland.
- Scottish General Fire Assurance Corporation mergers with General Accident.
1900’s
- Commercial Union acquired Britain's Palatine Insurance Company of Manchester.
- Commercial Union Plc was established to expand financial services.
- Commercial Union bought Hand-in-Hand Fire and Life Insurance Society.
- General Accident Fire and Life Assurance Corporation were created from General Accident.
- Commercial Union acquires Mercantile Insurance Company and North British.
- Norwich Union is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
- General Accident merges with Commercial Union to form CGU PLC.
2000’s
- CGNU is born from the merger between CGU and Norwich Union.
- Aviva Plc was launched when CGNU plc changed it's name.
- A pensions firm, Friends Life opened for business.
- Friends Life was acquired by Aviva.
List of Mergers and Acquisitions
Numerous insurance companies in the UK were merged and acquired to form part of Aviva.
List of Mergers:
- CGU
- Norwich Union
- Commercial Union
- General Accident
- Provident Mutual
- United Kingdom Provident Institution
- North British and Mercantile Insurance Company
Through merging and acquiring insurance companies since it's establishment in 1696, Aviva has become the UK’s largest life insurance firm in the British market.3
List of acquisitions:
- Friends Life
- Friends’ Provident Life Office
- Hibernian
- London and Edinburgh Insurance Group
- London and Manchester Assurance Company
- Sun Life Assurance
- English Insurance Company
- Yorkshire Insurance Company
- Northern and Employers Assurance Company
- Scottish Union and National Insurance Company
Aviva Services
Aviva offers it's products and services to main markets such as the UK, Ireland, and Canada.
These services include:
- Car insurance
- Home insurance
- Life insurance
- Health insurance
- Equity Release
The features mentioned and the amounts raised, are subject to the lender’s criteria, terms and conditions. These may take into account the age, health and lifestyle factors in order to provide an enhanced amount.
Common Questions
Does Aviva Have a History of Mergers and Acquisitions?
Which Companies Has Aviva Merged with or Acquired?
When Were Aviva's Major Mergers and Acquisitions?
hat Impact Have Mergers and Acquisitions Had on Aviva's Growth?
How Do Aviva's Mergers and Acquisitions Affect Their Equity Release Products?
In Conclusion
Throughout it's 300+ year history, Aviva has supported customers and kept records for over 700 companies that played a role in it's success.
As one of the biggest names in the insurance world Aviva not only boasts a secure track-record, it also aims to improve the future by taking steps to address the climate crisis.
Aviva's history of mergers and acquisitions speaks volumes of it's values and commitment to create a better tomorrow.