Sea change for Swiss insurers

Article Abstract:

The Swiss insurance industry may remember 1997 to be the year that two of the country's largest insurance firms announced mergers intended to make them amongst the most competitive in the financial services sector. Zurich Insurance capped the year by announcing a merger with the financial services business of Britain's B.A.T Industries, not that long after acquiring American firms Kemper Corp and Scudder Stevens and Clark. Winterthur Insurance also had a market-shaking announcement of its own when it surprised the market with the news of its merger with the Credit Suisse Group.

United States, Strategy & planning, Insurance, Insurance Carriers and Related Activities, Industry Overview, Economic aspects, Finance, Insurance industry, Acquisitions and mergers, Statistics, Business rankings, Rankings

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From Ayers Rock to the Alps

Article Abstract:

Australia and Switzerland enjoy close ties with each other. Switzerland accounts for the sixth biggest foreign investments in Australia. It is estimated that from 4,000 to 5,000 Australians are residents of Switzerland. The Swiss are fond of Australian wine, the importation of which to the country is growing at an annual rate of 25%. The Swiss are also being introduced to the Australian delicacy grilled crocodile meat. The Swiss are also fascinated with kangaroos and the music of Australian rock star Jeff Turner.

HOTELS AND OTHER LODGING PLACES, Tourist Travel, Australia, Tourism, Swiss foreign relations, Australian foreign relations

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A neutral in wartime

Article Abstract:

A commission of international historians has been assigned to review the role of Switzerland during the war in response to allegations that the country sympathized and even traded with the Nazis and that its banks made too many concessions. An audit is likewise being conducted to find out if there still exist any dormant bank accounts which should be given to relatives of Holocaust victims. Swiss banks, meanwhile, are setting up a private humanitarian fund to benefit the poor and the victims of Nazi atrocities.

International aspects, History, Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945), Bank accounts, War reparations

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