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DJ EANS-Adhoc: Vienna Insurance Group / Vienna Insurance Group continues the trend set by outstanding 2008 annual result in the first quarter 2009

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  ad-hoc disclosure transmitted by euro adhoc with the aim of a Europe-wide
  distribution. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this
  announcement.
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12.05.2009 

- Profit (before taxes) of approximately EUR 121 million 

- Important CEE markets record double digit premium growth on a local basis 

OVERVIEW OF KEY GROUP DATA FOR THE 1st QUARTER OF 2009 (according to IFRS)* 

In the first quarter of 2009, the Vienna Insurance Group achieved a total of
premiums written (consolidated) of EUR 2.35 billion. Based on euros, this
corresponds to an increase of 1.5 percent compared to the same period of the
previous year. 

The Group profit (before taxes, consolidated) amounted to about EUR 121 million
in the first quarter. This implies virtually the repeat of the very good result
in the first quarter 2008. Actually, after tax expenses and minority interests a
profit growth of close to 4 percent was achieved. 

The combined ratio of the Group after reinsurance (not considering investment
income) was 96.4 percent for the first three months of the current year. 

The financial results amounted to EUR 238.15 million for the first quarter of
2009. This increase of 35.6 percent is primarily the result of an increase in
current income generated by the newly acquired companies of the s Versicherung
Group. 

As of 31 March 2009, the investments of the Group amounted to EUR 23.88 billion.
Compared to the same period of the previous year the investments increased by
18.8 percent. 

[* All statements for the first quarter of 2009 include figures from the s
Versicherung Group and the BCR insurance companies. BA-CAV and Unita are only
included in comparisons to the first quarter of 2008.] 

end of announcement                               euro adhoc
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(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 12, 2009 02:26 ET (06:26 GMT)