Czech Republic

Country History

Northern Assurance Company prospectus, 1888

1853

In March, the Northern Assurance Company, later part of the Commercial Union Assurance Company, appoints Franz Schomburgh agent for Vienna and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, including the area which will become the Czech Republic.

1868

On November 19, the board of the North British & Mercantile Insurance Company, later part of Commercial Union, sends its superintendent to Vienna to make the necessary arrangements for commencing direct business in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

1869

In April, North British & Mercantile opens an agency in Prague, under the management of Carl Wahle.

1911

Commercial Union appoints Gustav Ullmann manager for the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

1927

Commercial Union acquires the majority holding of Anglo Elementar through which it opens a branch office in Prague.

Northern Assurance Company calendar, 1878

1936

General Accident Fire & Life Assurance Corporation begins operating in Prague.

1939

Following the occupation of Austria, Commercial Union’s holdings in Anglo Elementar are sold to Colonia of Cologne. Operations in Prague come to an end.

1997

On March 20, Commercial Union forms Commercial Union Aviva zivotni pojistovna (AZP) in the Czech Republic.

Northern Assurance Company endowment prospectus, c.1905

2003

Commercial Union Aviva zivotni pojistovna (AZP) is rebranded and relaunched as Aviva zivotni pojistovna (AZP).