This step has linked quality and service in Slovakia’s insurance business inseparably to the name of UNIQA. The was company founded in 1990 under the name of OTCINA. Currently, it  has 500 employees and will carry a brand name that is synonymous for competence and security not only in Austria but also in Switzerland and Croatia. The process of management change was well prepared and was guided by factors determining the future philosophy of the UNIQA Group. In Slovakia - as in most other UNIQA countries - individual solutions for all the demands for insurance and healthcare and pensions are the basis for sustained growth and increasing profits.

With a premium volume of SKK 850 million (EUR 19.33 million) and 167,000 contracts, UNIQA poistovna a.s. based in Bratislava ranks 6^th among the 26 Slovakian insurance companies. In the course of the year 2000, growth was particularly noticeable in the life insurance line. The very dense distribution network of the company is managed by 5 regional offices.

UNIQA poistovna a.s. is a classical composite insurer active in non-life, motor full coverage, industry and trade, and in household insurance. The start of a unit-linked life insurance product is planned for 2001. In 2002, the TPL motor insurance business, which is currently still concentrated in state-owned Slovenska, will become liberalized and certainly open up a new field of activities.

The highly motivated employees of UNIQA poistovna a.s. are at the roots of the company’s success. Business results showed a significant net increase in business volume in spite of a high unemployment rate (20%) and an inflation rate reaching 10.5%. One of UNIQA Group’s main objectives is further internationalisation. Its medium-term strategy is to customize the UNIQA brand in all its business countries with due regard to regional conditions. The international activities of the group in Central and Eastern Europe are governed by UNIQA International Versicherung Holding, a 100% subsidiary of UNIQA Versicherung AG, which is listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange.

The international activities of the UNIQA Group have been intensified in the course of the year 2000 by reinforcing the position of UNIQA osiguranje d.d. in Croatia, by a majority take-over of “La Carnica” S.p.a. in Italy and the establishment of a foreign branch office of UNIQA Personenversicherung AG for life insurance in Italy. By taking over POLONIA S.A. UNIQA is also setting foot on the Polish market. These numerous activities will substantially increase UNIQA’s premium volume generated abroad.