The end of World War II in 1945 ushered in a period of strong growth for the Dutch insurance industry.
This was followed in the 1960s by a wave of consolidation, as insurance companies faced growing competition, a need to control costs and rising inflation.
In 1968, three insurers – Algemeene Friesche, Groot Noordhollandsche and Olveh – joined forces to create a new company called AGO.
A year later, Eerste Nederlandsche, Nieuwe Nederlandsche and Nillmij merged to create Ennia. Between them, AGO and Ennia controlled 20% of the Dutch market. In the following years, AGO and Ennia both expanded their international businesses.
In 1979, AGO bought a stake in the US life insurance company Life Investors.
In 1980, Ennia acquired a 85% stake in Spanish insurer Galicia S.A., based in Madrid. This was followed one year later by Ennia’s acquisition of National Old Line in Little Rock, Arkansas.
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