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Friday, February 23, 2007

Time Line

History

The QBE Insurance Group is one of Australia's largest general insurance and reinsurance Groups. Its growth, nationally and internationally since its small beginnings is the story of an institution that has played an important part in Australian commercial history.

In October 1886, James Burns, a young Scotsman formed The North Queensland Insurance Company Limited. By 1890, the company had established over 36 agencies, including New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, many Pacific Islands and London.

Some important milestones in QBE's growth follow:

1921 Bankers' and Traders' Insurance Company Limited was formed - the "B" in QBE.

1959 The Equitable Probate and General Insurance Co Limited was acquired - the "E" in QBE.

1973 Queensland Insurance (the "Q" in QBE), Bankers' and Traders' and Equitable merged with the new holding company, QBE Insurance Group Limited being listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.

1981 QBE makes the first of a series of acquisitions.

1988 Universal Insurance Company of Ireland (now QBE Reinsurance (Europe) Limited) and Imperial Chemicals Reinsurance Limited (now QBE International Insurance Limited) were acquired.

1991 The Group unwound its cross-shareholdings with Burns Philp & Company Limited with Australian institutional shareholders increasing their equity in QBE.

1992 Australian Eagle Insurance Company Limited and some small overseas portfolios were acquired. The Group established a joint venture in Thailand.

1993 American Royal Reinsurance Company in New York (now QBE Reinsurance Corporation) was acquired.

1994 QBE established a joint venture with PT Pool Asuransi in Indonesia.

1996 QBE purchased Allstate Reinsurance Co Limited (now QBE Reinsurance (UK) Limited) in London.

1997 Acquired 74.9% of Trade Indemnity Australia Limited.

1999 QBE Mercantile Mutual joint venture commenced in Australia. Iron Trades Insurance Company Limited purchased in London.

2000 Limit plc acquisition in London.

2001 Acquisition of ex HIH portfolios in Australia, New Zealand and Argentina.

2002 Acquisition of small portfolios in Australia and Indonesia. .

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