The metaphor of construction can also be applied to Talanx. The Board of Management of the holding company assumes the role of the architect, who draws up his plans based on the needs and budgets of the “residents”. A robust foundation is the indispensable basis for a stable construction. And just how robust our foundation is has been demonstrated by a broad spectrum of market upheavals.

Yet you have to continue building, renovating and modernizing in order to keep a structure in good condition. That is just what we are doing: only last year we successfully completed key alterations at the very heart of the undertaking – extensions were added in the form of acquisitions. And when it comes to the building’s interior finishing work, walls are being torn down here and there so as to convert two rooms into one and move forward with united operations.

What properties must the building have? Robustness – in fact more than that, the capacity to withstand earthquakes – is the overriding priority. Low operating costs are also right up at the top of this list. Functionality, weatherproofing, appeal and a pleasant working environment – these are all factors that should help to persuade customers, staff and investors.

At many sites within the Group, however, building continued in the literal sense of the word: the new offices in Cologne are currently in the process of being occupied, in Hannover an annex was completed and the foundation stone was laid for a new building, and in Hamburg Neue Leben is awaiting completion of the construction work on its future headquarters.

On the following pages members of staff from various Group segments describe projects in which they have contributed to the Group‘s ongoing development.