Gareth Vaughan has an excellent article, rich with detail, on the Co-op Money transaction with Pinnacle Life. First, let me be clear - Co-op Money NZ is not the same as Co-operative Life, often abbreviated to Co-op Life, a subsidiary of The Co-operative Bank.

Co-op Money NZ has sold a book of life business to Pinnacle Life, and non-life business to Provident. My understanding is that this is a move that has been contemplated for some years. The sale conclusion, however, was timely, as pressures from systems changes at Co-op Money NZ have been affecting the balance sheet. Lots of detail in Vaughan's article. Link.

In an article titled "co-op cock-up" Alex McDonald, a barrister specialising in intellectual property disputes, examines the use of the term "co-op" by both a service business supporting credit unions and The Co-operative Bank. There are five concluding points useful for anyone contemplating a re-branding or the role of brand names in their business. The first point, to have the courage to stand out from the crowd, is the foundation. Without that you will fail to create something distinctive and interesting, limiting scope for both positive brand value contribution and effective defence of any value created. Read the whole article. 

A Tableau version of the latest Premium Comparison Database is now available to all subscribers. It has the same data as Premium Comparison V81 that was sent out a couple of weeks ago.

You will need Tableau Reader 9.1 to open it, which can be downloaded for free here:

http://www.tableau.com/products/reader

Co-op Insurance NZ and Provident Insurance Corporation Limited (Provident) have announced the release of a new ‘multi-year’ vehicle insurance product which will rolled out through Provident’s national network of registered motor vehicle traders.

Here is the full media release.