Global Health Services Company Cigna Acquires Zurich Insurance Middle East

PR69235

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 12, 2017 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/--

Cigna launches new phase of operations as the premier provider of health and

wellness services to Individuals, Employers and Government entities across the

Middle East

Cigna Corporation (NYSE:CI), a global health services company, today announced

the acquisition of general insurer, Zurich Insurance Middle East (SAL). The

acquisition, which was successfully completed in June marks the beginning of a

new phase of operations for Cigna as the premier provider of both health and

wellness services to individuals, employers and government entities across the

Middle East. With this acquisition, Cigna will operate in the UAE, Lebanon,

Kuwait and Oman, further complementing its capabilities across the region.   

In line with regulatory compliance, the newly acquired entity will be called

'Zurich Insurance Middle East, a Cigna-owned company.'  The company will assume

a name that aligns with the Cigna brand once all formalities have been

completed.

In the Middle East region Cigna delivers group health products and services for

small businesses and family-owned enterprises through to multinational

companies. Through its new entity, Cigna will be able to provide even more

personalized products to individuals, employers, and government entities; 24/7

customer support; multilingual call centres located across nine global

locations; specialized clinical services, and access to one million medical and

healthcare professionals and facilities worldwide.

Jason Sadler, President of Cigna International Markets said: "Cigna has enjoyed

a strong presence in the Middle East for more than 15 years through our local

partners. Today, we mark a significant new phase of our journey and commitment

to the region. Cigna aims to improve the health, well-being and sense of

security of our regional customers by providing full access to our global

expertise and wide range of specialized healthcare benefits, products and

wellness programs."

Cigna has named Arthur Cozad, former CEO of Cigna Taiwan, as CEO for Middle

East markets.

Earlier this year, Cigna opened offices at the Dubai International Financial

Centre (DIFC) to serve as its regional headquarters, providing management

support and specialist services to its regulated entities across the GCC.

Howard Gough, CEO of Cigna for the MENA Region, Global International Private

Medical Insurance (GIPMI), and Global Government segment, added: "We are

witnessing a dynamic change within the GCC region's healthcare sector, defined

by regulatory reform and national agendas that prioritize the importance of

quality healthcare. Cigna's healthcare benefit products and its preventive

wellness solutions meet a vital need for companies, and local and globally

mobile individuals."

About Cigna Middle East Insurance

Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company dedicated to

helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. With a

heritage of over 200 years, Cigna is committed to its promise of being together

all the way in providing healthcare, clinical management and wellness programs

to employers, individuals and governments around the world.

Operating for more than 15 years in the MENA region, Cigna serves the GCC

markets and Lebanon, through its locally regulated entities and regional

headquarters in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).  The company

delivers both health and wellness services to individuals, employers and

government entities in the region.  

The company maintains a global sales capability in 30 countries and

jurisdictions, employing over 40,000 people that service more than 95 million

customer relationships throughout the world. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA,

Cigna is a Fortune 100 company with a total revenue of US$39.7 billion in 2016.

To learn more about Cigna Middle East, visit: www.cigna-me.com

Contact:

Lianne Braganza-D’Sylva

Head of Marketing & Communications, MENA

+971-52-690-0081

Lianne.Braganza@cigna.com

SOURCE:  Cigna International