The QBE Group

QBE is one of the top 25 insurance groups in the world and leader in the Australian market, where it has been operating for over 120 years.

The Group currently has offices in 45 countries, with over 10,000 employees. It provides insurance and reinsurance services covering even the most complex risks in the non-life segments. Through innovative products of recognised quality, QBE has gained an international reputation as a valuable partner for its clients.

Headquartered in Sydney QBE has been listed on the Australian Stock Exchange since 1973. In 2007 QBE collected over 7.2 billion euro in premiums confirming an upward trend in line with the last two past years.

120 Years of History

In 1886, two insurance agents from Sydney (Australia) founded the North Queensland Insurance Company - the “Q” in QBE - which quickly grew, opening up agencies in Asia, Oceania and London.

In 1921, the Bankers’ and Traders’ Insurance Company - the “B” in QBE - was established. Subsequently, the Group acquired Equitable Probate and General Insurance, providing the letter “E” in QBE.

In 1973, a merger of the three companies gave rise to the new Group, which got its name from the initials of these companies.

Starting from the 1980s, QBE consolidated its presence in the major global insurance markets through a series of acquisitions, the most recent of which was that of Winterthur US Holding Inc. at the end of 2006.

:: Additional information on the activities of the QBE Group (in English)