Norwich Union Insurance

Sectors:

  • Financial services Insurance services exc insurance broking & agency

Notes:

Traced origins to the fire insurance business established at Norwich in 1797 by Thomas Bignold, a self made man. By 1820 it was the second largest fire office in Britain with 500 agencies. 1808 Bignold opened a life office, independent of the fire office but closely aligned with it, which by 1820 was one of the top five British life businesses. 1818 Bignold resigned to be succeeded by his son, Samuel. Subsequently grew by acquisition, notably the Amicable Society in 1866. The fire business sold to Phoenix Assurance 1919 and sold on by them in 1925. Offered general insurance from 1908. 1997 demutualised and floated as a public company. 2000 Norwich Union merged with CGU Plc to form CGNU Plc which, from 2002, was known as Aviva Plc

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