Australia: Navigator - change of legal entity name

Navigator today announced it had changed its legal entity name to Navigator Australia Limited.

The new name reflects the first step in branding adjustments resulting from the change in UK parent company name from CGNU to 'Aviva plc' in mid 2002. Previously the company was Norwich Union Navigator Limited.

Commenting on the new legal entity name, Norwich Union Australia CEO Rob Garnsworthy said that while this is an important step for Navigator, the change in legal entity name would not affect the public face of Navigator:

“Changing our legal entity name is something that we needed to do to align ourselves with other branding changes taking place across the Aviva plc group. This won’t, however, change the public face of Navigator or how we market ourselves. We have traditionally been known simply as 'Navigator' in the market place and this is how we will continue to brand ourselves in the future," he said.

The change to Navigator Australia Limited came into affect yesterday and all relevant documentation has been altered to reflect the new legal entity name.

“It is expected that the change in legal entity name will have little impact on advisers and customers. The change is largely focused on 'small print' items such as stationery and forms - these changes have already been captured so it is expected to have little impact on customers and advisers.

However it is likely that it may take some time for the change to Navigator Australia Limited to take hold in the media and with financial specialists who have traditionally referred to Norwich Union Navigator Limited. It often takes some time for name changes to filter through to everyday language,” Mr Garnsworthy said.

-ends-

Rob Garnsworthy is available for interview.

For further information, please contact:

Simon Morgan, Group General Manager
Public Affairs
(03) 9829 8892
0407 966 632

Note to editors:

• Norwich Union Australia is a group of two specialist financial services companies; Navigator and Norwich Union Life. Portfolio Partners, the funds management arm, is aligned with Morley Funds UK. Through these companies we provide products and services in the areas of wealth creation, wealth management and wealth protection for more than 300,000 customers throughout Australia.
• Globally, Norwich Union Australia is part of Aviva plc, the world’s seventh largest insurance group, the largest insurer in the UK and one of the top five life companies in Europe. Aviva was formed in May 2000 through the global merger of CGU plc and Norwich Union plc.
• Aviva’s principal business activities are long-term savings, funds management and general insurance. It has a market capitalisation of approximately A$34.4 billion at 13/01/03, worldwide premium and investment sales of more than A$76.6 billion from ongoing business and more than A$556 billion in assets under management. The group has 64,000 employees and more than 25 million customers.
• This document does not contain all the terms and conditions attaching to product benefits and options. For a full list of terms and conditions please refer to the Offer Document. A policy for insurance cover or an application for an issue of an interest as described in this document can only be effected after completion of the application form contained in a current Offer Document for the product.

  The information in this document reflects Norwich Union's understanding of existing legislation, proposed legislation, rulings etc as at the date of issue. While it is believed the information is accurate and reliable, this is not guaranteed in any way. The information is not, nor is it intended, to be comprehensive or a substitute for professional advice on specific circumstances.

  The securities advice or information given in this document is of a general nature and has not taken into account the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. Before making an investment decision on the basis of the advice above, a prospective investor needs to consider, with or without the assistance of a professional adviser whether the advice is appropriate in the light of their particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances.