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Baloise-Holding AG
Annual Report 2013

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FY2013 Annual Report · Baloise-Holding AG
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Bâloise Holding Ltd ANNUAL REPORT 2013Bâloise Holding Ltd
Annual Report 2013

1

Who we are: Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, the Baloise 
Group is a European provider of insurance and pension  
solutions. In Switzerland, the Group operates as a specialised  
financial services provider, offering a combination of  
insurance and banking services. The Group also has a market 
presence in Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein  
and Austria. Its sales network includes its own sales  
organisation, as well as brokers and other partners. Baloise 
operates its innovative pension plan business for private  
customers throughout Europe with its competence centre in 
Luxembourg. Bâloise Holding Ltd shares are quoted in the  
main segment of the SIX Swiss Exchange. The Baloise Group 
employs some 8,000 people.

What we stand for: We want people to feel safe. To play our 
part in this respect, we created the “Safety World”. Everything 
we do is aimed at safety. As such, we consciously go further 
than other insurance companies: we combine insurance with 
smart prevention. In this way, we help to ensure that losses  
do not occur in the first place. Should something happen never-
theless, then we’re right there. Fast and capable as always.

2

BALOISE
Baloise key figures  ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4
At a glance  ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5
Letter to shareholders  ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 6
Baloise shares  ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 8
Our markets  ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 10
Strategy  �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 12
Brand  ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 14

REVIEW OF OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Group  ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 18
Switzerland  ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 22
Germany  ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 23
Belgium and Luxembourg  ������������������������������������������������������������������ 24
Other units �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 25
Consolidated income statement  ������������������������������������������������������� 26
Consolidated balance sheet  ���������������������������������������������������������������� 28
Business volume, premiums and combined ratio  �������������������� 29
Technical income statement  �������������������������������������������������������������� 31
Gross premiums by sector ������������������������������������������������������������������� 32
Banking activities  ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 33
Investment performance  ��������������������������������������������������������������������� 34

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Human resources  ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 38
Ecology ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 42
Risk management  ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 44

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Corporate Governance Report
including Remuneration Report  ������������������������������������������������������ 50

FINANCIAL REPORT 
Consolidated balance sheet  ���������������������������������������������������������������� 90
Consolidated income statement  ������������������������������������������������������� 92
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income  ����������������� 93
Consolidated cash flow statement  ��������������������������������������������������� 94
Consolidated statement of changes in equity  ���������������������������� 96
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements  ��������� 98
Notes to the consolidated balance sheet  ������������������������������������  170
Notes to the consolidated income statement  ��������������������������  215
Other disclosures  ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������  227
Report submitted by the statutory auditors to the Annual 
General Meeting of Bâloise Holding Ltd, Basel  ���������������������  240

BÂLOISE HOLDING LTD 
Income statement Bâloise Holding  ����������������������������������������������  244
Balance sheet Bâloise Holding  �������������������������������������������������������  245
Notes to the financial statements of Bâloise Holding  ���������  246
Appropriation of distributable profit as
proposed by the Board of Directors  ��������������������������������������������  253
Report of the statutory auditor to the  
General Meeting of Bâloise Holding Ltd, Basel  ���������������������  254

NOTES 
Glossary  ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������  258
Addresses  �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������  262
Information on the Baloise Group  �����������������������������������������������  263
Financial calendar and contacts  ���������������������������������������������������  264

Baloise
Baloise key figures

Baloise key figures

CHF million

Business volume

Gross premiums written (non-life)

Gross premiums written (life)

Sub-total of IFRS gross premiums written1

Investment-type premiums

Total business volume

Operating profit (loss)

Profit / loss before borrowing costs and taxes

Non-life

Life2

Banking

Other activities

Profit for the period

Balance sheet

Technical reserves

Equity

Ratios (per cent)

Return on equity (RoE)

Gross combined ratio (non-life)

Net combined ratio (non-life)

New business margin (life)

Investment performance (insurance)3

Embedded value of life insurance policies

Embedded value (MCEV)

Annual premium equivalent (APE)

Value of new business

Key figures on the Company's shares

Shares issued (units)

Basic earnings per share4 (CHF)

Diluted earnings per share4 (CHF)

Equity per share4 (CHF)

Closing price (CHF)

Market capitalisation (CHF million)

Dividend per share5 (CHF)

2012  
(reported)6

2012  
(restated)

2013

Change (%)7 

3,317.7

3,424.0

6,741.7

1,616.6

8,358.3

353.5

176.5

72.8

– 46.9

442.4

3,317.7

3,424.0

6,741.7

1,616.6

8,358.3

409.7

176.7

78.6

– 47.1

485.2

3,441.7

3,787.2

7,228.9

1,780.6

9,009.5

366.3

261.1

75.4

– 44.5

455.4

46,702.3

46,591.9

47,435.6

4,872.8

4,641.3

4,906.4

10.3

93.1

94.1

8.9

6.6

11.8

93.2

94.1

8.9

6.6

9.5

93.1

94.9

13.5

2.3

2,752.8

2,752.8

3,808.6

264.4

23.5

264.4

23.5

333.2

44.9

50,000,000

50,000,000

50,000,000

9.32

9.08

103.2

78.50

3,925.0

4.50

10.24

9.96

98.3

78.50

3,925.0

4.50

9.65

9.38

103.5

113.60

5,680.0

4.75

3.7

10.6

7.2

10.1

7.8

3.6

47.9

3.6

– 5.1

2.9

1.6

0.7

–

–

–

–

–

38.4

26.0

91.4

0.0

3.5

3.3

0.3

44.7

44.7

5.6

1   Premiums written and policy fees (gross).
2   Of which deferred gains / losses from other operating segments (31 December 2012 (reported): CHF –6.6 million; 31 December 2013: CHF –1.7 million).
3   Excluding investments for the account and at the risk of life insurance policyholders.
4   Calculation is based on the profit for the period attributable to shareholders and the equity attributable to shareholders.
5   2013 based on the proposal submitted to the Annual General Meeting.
6   In the review of its operating performance (pages 18 to 29) Baloise compares the performance of its business in the reporting year with the figures published for the 
2012 financial year. Changes in financial reporting standards required figures reported for 2012 to be restated. For further information, please refer to the Financial 
Report section.

7   The percentage change relates to the figures reported for 2012.

4

Baloise
At a glance

At a glance

Net combined ratio of

94.9 per cent

7.8 per cent 

higher total volume of business 

Profit of

CHF 453 million

Dividend increased by 5.6 per cent to  

CHF 4.75 per share

(will be proposed to Annual General Meeting on 24 April 2014)

Equity of

CHF 4,906.4 million 

Return on equity 
(RoE) of 9.5 per cent

Solvency ratio of 

267 per cent

 New business margin of  

13.5 per cent

What we want to achieve: By continuing to develop its solid insurance operations, Baloise 
is once again firmly on track to meet its targets of a combined ratio of between 93 per  
cent and 96 per cent, a new business margin in excess of 10 per cent and a return on equity 
of between 8 per cent and 12 per cent. It will continue to pay attractive and consistent 
dividends.

5

Baloise
Letter to shareholders

Dr Andreas Burckhardt, Chairman of the Board of Directors, (left)  
and Dr Martin Strobel, Group CEO, (right)

Attractive growth combined with strong profitability

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

This annual report and the Annual General Meeting to be held 
on 24 April will bring Baloise’s anniversary year to a close� For 
over 150 years we have been identifying our customers’ risks 
and mitigating them successfully� The trust that our clients and 
shareholders have placed in us forms the solid foundations that 
have underpinned our success right from the outset� 

Baloise generated outstanding growth in 2013 and com-
bined this with impressively strong profitability� It achieved a 
profit of CHF 452�6 million, thereby underscoring the solidity 

of its insurance operations� Having systematically targeted spe-
cific customers and partners, we now have one of the most prof-
itable insurance portfolios in Europe� This was illustrated by 
our impressive net combined ratio of 94�9 per cent, which was 
achieved despite the substantial cost of claims for natural dis-
asters� Large swathes of Germany were flooded back in May of 
last year� The summer and autumn then brought further severe 
storms in Baloise’s core markets� The claims resulting from these 
events showed the extent to which the density of valuable assets 

6

Baloise
Letter to shareholders

in these countries has increased, as the cost of large claims caused 
by storms was the highest seen in the past ten years� And al-
though the amount of such large claims more than doubled 
compared with the previous year, Baloise’s combined ratio re-
mained robust�

Another way in which we create safety and security for 
our customers and our organisation is by selecting the right 
investments� These once again yielded impressive gains, achiev-
ing a net return of 3�3 per cent on insurance assets� The consid-
erable reliability of our business model was illustrated by our 
totally sound balance sheet and capitalisation: our equity of just 
under CHF 5 billion was strong, while our solvency ratio of 267 
per cent was excellent�

We continue to boost our strong 
profitability

By keeping our promise of “Making you safer�”, we can offer  
a skilful combination of insurance and innovative safety and 
security solutions, and we possess a unique product range that 
ticks all the boxes for our risk-conscious customers� Our in-
novative safety and security components enable us to support 
our customers by offering them exactly the services that they 
want� We maintain a close dialogue with our Customer Advi-
sory Board� This is key to our ability to innovate� Because we 
listen to our customers, we now offer facilities such as psycho-
logical support after burglaries, self-defence courses for elder-
ly people and driver safety training following accidents� This 
enables our customers to regain their self-confidence and enhance 
their safety and security�

Our promise of “Making you safer�” applies equally to our 
employees as well� This approach is reflected in our values-based 
corporate culture, which we investigate by conducting our staff 
commitment survey� The already impressive prior-year results 
improved slightly in 2013� The high participation rate of 78 per 
cent reaffirmed our belief that it is worth working together to 
take the Company forwards� The principle that an organisation 
can only be effective externally if it functions well internally 
also applies to our own development� We see Baloise as a com-
pany that adds value to society: not just because we are an in-
surer  that  identifies  risks  at  the  earliest-possible  stage  and 
mitigates their consequences – which no one would be able to 

do on their own – but also because we encourage our employees’ 
social engagement and commitment�

The net result of the consistent implementation of our 
strategy is our robust business model which, despite the recent 
financial crises, yields high and reliable returns� Our strong 
balance sheet and capitalisation underpin our dividend policy�
We  will  propose  to  the  Annual  General  Meeting  on  
24 April this year that our dividend be raised by 5�6 per cent  
to CHF 4�75 per share� This constitutes a continuation of the 
attractive and consistent dividend policy that we have been 
pursuing in recent years� Our strong growth, our impressive 
profit for the period and our payout rate of almost 50 per cent 
for 2013 once again demonstrate that Baloise continues to en-
hance the already high profitability of its business and, conse-
quently, remains an attractive and reliable investment for its 
shareholders�

Safe, secure, reliable and profitable – these are values that 
we aim to retain in future� To this end we are refining our man-
agement of target customers and partners and are opening up 
new sources of growth� We are putting a Group-wide bench-
marking system in place because we are striving to constantly 
improve our operations and to systematically optimise our busi-
ness processes� We remain true to our virtues of providing our 
customers with innovative products and new offerings that have 
been adapted to the continuing low-interest-rate environment� 
In order to provide effective support for these focal areas we 
have set up transnational platforms that address the issues of 
growth, life insurance, efficiency, non-life insurance and op-
erational excellence�

By continuing to develop its solid insurance operations 
in this way, Baloise is once again firmly on track to meet its 
targets of a combined ratio of between 93 per cent and 96 per 
cent, a new business margin in excess of 10 per cent and a return 
on equity of between 8 per cent and 12 per cent� It will con-
tinue to pay attractive and consistent dividends�

Basel, March 2014

Dr Andreas Burckhardt 

Dr Martin Strobel

Chairman of the Board of Directors 

Group CEO

7

 
Baloise
Baloise shares

Stellar share price performance puts Baloise among 
top six Swiss blue-chip stocks 

Baloise shares* continued to post impressive gains in 2013. They closed the year at a price of 
CHF 113.6, which constituted an annual return of 44.7 per cent. They therefore comfortably 
outperformed their benchmark indices, ranking among the top six of the 30 largest and most 
liquid equities on the Swiss stock market. 

Although Europe’s sovereign debt crisis has yet to be resolved, 
the economic situation has improved considerably� This trend 
has manifested itself in the excellent returns available in the 
equity markets and has boosted insurance stocks, which have 
significantly gained in value on the back of a strong operating 
performance and slightly higher interest rates�

DIVIDENDS PAID TO SHAREHOLDERS
The Board of Directors of Bâloise Holding Ltd will propose to 
the Annual General Meeting on 24 April 2014 that a cash div-
idend of CHF 4�75 per share be paid for the 2013 financial year� 
This would represent a dividend yield of 4�2 per cent of the 
year-end share price�

The first half of 2013 saw Baloise shares build on their 
impressive prior-year achievements and add 17�0 per cent, which 
was far higher than the gains posted by the Swiss Leader Index 
(SLI)  and  the  Swiss  insurance  sector  index,  which  rose  by  
11�6 per cent and 7�1 per cent respectively� 

This positive trend was further accentuated in the second 
half of 2013� Baloise’s share price jumped by 23�7 per cent in the 
second half of the year, easily outperforming both the Swiss 
Leader Index (up 8�6 per cent) and the Swiss insurance sector 
index (up 12�1 per cent)� 

Having closed the year at CHF 113�6, Baloise shares gen-
erated a return of 44�7 per cent for 2013 as a whole, thereby 
comfortably outperforming both the Swiss Market Index and 
the Swiss Leader Index, which had gained 20�2 per cent and  
21�2  per  cent  respectively  since  the  beginning  of  the  year�  
Baloise’s impressive share price performance shows that inves-
tors are looking for companies with highly profitable and reli-
able business models� The Swiss insurance sector index performed 
more or less in line with the market as a whole, gaining 20�1 per 
cent over the year, while its European counterpart (Euro Stoxx 
600 Insurance, SXIP) achieved a stronger increase of 29�0 per 
cent compared with its level at the beginning of 2013�

Baloise shares are included in the SLI� This index com-

prises the 30 largest and most liquid Swiss equities�

8

Year (CHF million)

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Total 

Cash dividends

Share buy-backs

Total

225.0

225.0

225.0

225.0

237.5

71.5

34.7

17.1

–

–

296.5

259.7

242.1

225.0

237.5

1,137.5

123.3

1,260.8

All figures stated as at 31 December.

Information on Baloise’s share buy-back programme 2008– 2011 
can be found at
www.baloise.com  →  Investor Relations →  Baloise share
  →  Share buy-back programme

SHAREHOLDER STRUCTURE
The shares in Bâloise Holding Ltd are widely held and their free 
float remains unchanged at 100 per cent� Several changes in 
Baloise’s shareholder base took place during the 2013 financial 
year� The shareholding owned by the Signal Iduna Group fell 
below the notifiable threshold of 3 per cent on 18 January 2013� 
Several portfolios managed by LSV Asset Management collec-
tively rose above the threshold of 3 per cent on 2 July 2013 and 

* Baloise shares = shares of Bâloise Holding Ltd.

Baloise
Baloise shares

subsequently amounted to 3�97 per cent of Baloise's outstanding 
registered shares� Several collective investments managed by 
Credit Suisse Funds AG together fell below the threshold of  
3 per cent on 20 August 2013 and subsequently amounted to 

2�99 per cent of Baloise’s outstanding registered shares� Further 
information on Baloise’s significant shareholders as at 31 De-
cember 2013 can be found in the table on page 251�

STATISTICS ON BALOISE SHARES

Price at year-end (CHF)

High (CHF)

Low (CHF)

Market capitalisation (CHF million)

Basic earnings per share (CHF)

Diluted earnings per share (CHF)

Price / earnings (p / e) ratio1

Price / book (p / b) ratio1

Number of shares issued (units)

31.12.2009

31.12.2010

31.12.2011

31.12.2012  
(reported)

31.12.2013

86.05

102.60

52.60

91.00

97.85

74.15

64.40

103.30

60.15

78.50

80.56

58.30

4,302.5

4,550.0

3,220.0

3,925.0

8.64

8.57

9.96

0.95

9.14

8.89

9.96

1.05

1.30

1.29

49.54

0.78

9.32

9.08

8.42

0.76

113.60

113.60

80.75

5,680.0

9.65

9.38

11.77

1.10

50,000,000

50,000,000

50,000,000

50,000,000

50,000,000

Minus the number of treasury shares (units)

2,282,790

2,800,239

3,247,273

3,053,746

3,028,943

Number of shares in circulation (units)

Average number of shares outstanding2

Dividend per share3 (CHF)

Dividend payout ratio3

Dividend yield3

47,717,210

47,199,761

46,752,727

46,946,254

46,971,057

47,905,512

47,394,282

46,900,473

46,831,998

46,896,926

4.50

52.1

5.2

4.50

49.2

4.9

4.50

>100

7.0

4.50

48.3

5.7

4.75

49.2

4.2

1   Calculation is based on profit for the period and equity before non-controlling interests respectively.
2   Relevant for calculation of earnings per share (see page 223 of the Financial Report).
3   2013 based on the proposal submitted to the Annual General Meeting.

BALOISE SHARES

Security symbol

Nominal value 

Security number

ISIN

Exchange

Security type

INDEXED SHARE PRICE PERFORMANCE 1 BÂLOISE HOLDING  
REGISTERED SHARES 2008 – 2013

BALN

CHF 0.10

150

1.241.051

CH0012410517

SIX Swiss Exchange

100 % registered shares

100

50

0

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

1   31 December 2007 = 100.

  Bâloise Holding registered share (BLAN)
  SWX SP Insurance Price Index (SMINNX)
   Swiss Market Index (SMI) 

9

 
Baloise
Our markets

Our markets

Baloise focuses on markets, customers, products and distribution channels that add consider-
able value. Our preferred clients are individuals, small and medium-sized firms with good risk/
return profiles and selected industrial companies.

SWITZERLAND
In its domestic market of Switzerland the Baloise Group oper-
ates under its “Basler Insurance” and “Baloise Bank SoBa” brand 
names� Basler Switzerland is the largest business unit in the 
Baloise Group� As an insurer and focused financial services 
provider it specialises in delivering comprehensive insurance 
and pension solutions� Its customers are individuals, small and 
medium-sized  firms  and  selected  industrial  enterprises�  Its  
insurance sales force is at the heart of its marketing strategy� 
This is supplemented by a network of distribution partners for 
certain product-related and customer segments and by brokers 
and  the  internet�  Baloise  Bank  SoBa  strengthens  the  range  
of pension solutions available by offering banking products that 
are sold by the insurance sales force and by the bank itself�  
It  has  positioned  itself  as  a  universal  bank  in  northwestern  
Switzerland�

KEY FIGURES FOR SWITZERLAND

Employees

Business volume (CHF million) 

Gross combined ratio (per cent)

2012  
(reported)

3,806

3,885.4

83.8

2013

3,746

4,363.1

86.4

GERMANY
In Germany the Baloise Group operates under the “Basler Ver-
sicherungen” brand name� Its portfolio comprises insurance 
and pension solutions in the areas of indemnity, accident and 
life insurance for individuals, small and medium-sized firms 
and selected industrial companies� Basler's marketing activities 

10

are focused on its insurance sales force, on brokers and on its 
distribution partners maklermanagement�ag, OVB and ZEUS�

KEY FIGURES FOR GERMANY

Employees

Business volume (CHF million)

Gross combined ratio (per cent) 

2012  
(reported)

2,373

1,712.1

99.1

2013

2,274

1,727.3

104.1

BELGIUM
In the Belgian market the Baloise Group has been operating 
under the “Baloise Insurance” brand name since 2013� Baloise 
Insurance is one of the leading insurers in Belgium and sees 
itself as a partner to professional brokers� It offers a full range 
of property and personal insurance for individuals and for small 
and medium-sized firms� It is also the leading provider of mar- 
ine insurance in the Belgian market� 

KEY FIGURES FOR BELGIUM

Employees

Business volume (CHF million)

Gross combined ratio (per cent)

2012  
(reported)

1,389

1,358.6

99.8

2013

1,362

1,393.5

93.5

   
Antwerp

Brussels

Bad Homburg

Luxembourg

Basel

Solothurn

Balzers

Vienna

Zagreb

Belgrade

LUXEMBOURG
Bâloise Assurances provides a wide range of insurance, pension 
and wealth-building products to private and business custom-
ers in the Grand Duchy� Bâloise Luxembourg also works close-
ly  with  highly  successful  banking  partners  and  selected  
distribution partners outside its domestic market to sell wealth-
building and pension solutions in a number of European Union 
countries� The Baloise Life unit in Liechtenstein has been man-
aged by Bâloise Luxembourg since 2013�

KEY FIGURES FOR LUXEMBOURG

Employees

Business volume (CHF million)

Gross combined ratio (per cent)

2012  
(reported)

297

1,168.9

102.1

2013

314

1,284.0

83.9

AUSTRIA
In Austria the Baloise Group offers insurance and pension prod-
ucts to individuals and to small and medium-sized firms under 
the “Basler Versicherungen” brand� Its marketing activities are 
focused on its insurance sales force�

KEY FIGURES FOR AUSTRIA

Employees

Business volume (CHF million)

Gross combined ratio (per cent)

2012  
(reported)

225

158.2

97.7

2013

219

166.5

92.0

CROATIA AND SERBIA
In Croatia the Baloise Group operates under the “Basler osigu-
ranje Zagreb” brand name� It offers a full range of insurance 
solutions for private and business customers through its own 
sales force and via agencies and banks� Baloise plans to sell its 
Croatian and Serbian subsidiaries in 2014�

KEY FIGURES FOR CROATIA AND SERBIA

Employees

Business volume (CHF million) 

Gross combined ratio (per cent)

2012  
(reported)

701

68.4

105.8

2013

694

70.0

102.3

11

   
Baloise
Strategy

Strategic business development
A strong foundation is further enhanced

Accelerate growth, focus on core strengths and drive down costs

FOUR FOCUS AREAS

GROWTH

EFFICIENCY

Innovative products that 
exceed customer 
expectations

Above-market  growth 

Highest standard of 
customer service

Lean processes and 
lower costs

We have one  
of the most  
profitable  
insurance
portfolios

BUILDING ON A STRONG FOUNDATION

SAFET Y WORLD

HIGH CASH FLOW 
GENERATION

Attractive
and reliable dividend 
payments 

TARGET CUSTOMER 
MANAGEMENT

STRONG  
CAPITALISATION

LIFE

NON-LIFE

Keep our promises

Successfully master 
low interest rates

Risk-aware  
target customers

Lowest  
claims frequency

12

Baloise
Strategy

13

SAFETY WORLD “Making you safer.” is the promise we make our key custom-ers. The smart combination of insurance and innovative safety solutions gives us a unique product range that wins over our risk-aware target customers. TARGET CUSTOMER MANAGEMENTOur target customer management sets new benchmarks for our industry. The systematic focus on risk-aware key custom-ers is deeply embedded in our culture, in terms of guiding behaviour, processes and remuneration schemes, and provides us with one of the most profitable insurance portfolios in Europe. HIGH CASH FLOW GENERATIONBy consistently implementing our strategy, we have created a robust business model that has ensured reliable profitabil-ity, even during the recent capital market crises.STRONG CAPITALISATIONThanks to the high reliability of our business model, our balance sheet and capitalisation are rock solid. This has also been the basis of our reliable and attractive dividend policy for more than a decade.GROWTH  →Enhance target customer and target broker management →New pricing skills →New growth areas EFFICIENCY →Group-wide benchmarking to identify  areas for improvement →Systematic business process optimisation →Structural improvements LIFE →Innovative products for affluent customers →Adapt new business to ongoing low-interest  environment →Enhance value of the in-force businessNON-LIFE →Further strengthen operational excellence →Improve fraud detection and prevention →Further improvement of  claims management processesBUILDING ON A STRONG FOUNDATIONFor more than 150 years, Baloise has made its customers safer. With its focus on risk-aware target customers and its unique selling proposition, the “Safety World”, Baloise oper-ates from a solid platform with high cash flow generation and strong capitalisation.FOUR FOCUS AREASThe focus areas form the next step in our strategic business development. Starting from the strong foundation we estab-lished over the past decade, we aim to expand our core strengths and drive growth and profitability to a new level.Baloise
Brand

The Baloise brand

“Making you safer” is our brand promise. Everything we do is geared towards enhancing  
safety and security. We combine insurance with intelligent risk prevention to help ensure  
losses do not occur in the first place.

BRAND VALUES OF THE BALOISE GROUP

Swiss 

Innovative 

Partnership 

Baloise is proud of its Swiss origins, which 
date back to 1863� We link this to reliabil-
ity, a humanistic approach, solid security, 
strong tradition, financial expertise and 
impartiality�

Our strong innovative capabilities give us 
the necessary competitive edge� This is 
illustrated by our unrelenting and holis-
tic focus on safety and security and by the 
way we manage our customer relationships� 
We create a climate of continuous innova-
tion across all product lines�

Our focus on partnership is one of our 
greatest emotional strengths and is pred-
icated on value creation and mutual respect� 
We nurture and deepen our relationships 
with all our stakeholders to ensure that 
we achieve the desired impact each and 
every time�

Eloi Bamberg
Head of Sales Support in Luxembourg

Petra Neckermann
Assistant to the Head of Group Human 
Resources

Andreas Bachmann
Corporate Clients Adviser

“Baloise provides its employees 
in Luxembourg with a consider-
able amount of latitude, there-
by living up to its reputation as 
an independent Swiss organisa-
tion.”

“Being  innovative  means  not 
just thinking ‘out of the box’ but 
also  having  the  courage  and 
self-confidence  in  using  your 
own creativity to drive innova-
tion in the relevant areas. That’s 
what makes us better every day.”

“Any solid partnership or rela-
tionship  is  based  on  mutual 
appreciation and respect. Only 
when we inspire customers in 
our contact with them, can we 
arrive  at  successful  conclu-
sions.”

14

Baloise
Brand

BRAND ATTRIBUTES OF THE BALOISE GROUP

Safety

Strength 

Professionalism 

Safety and security constitute our core 
competences and lie at the heart of all the 
products, services and benefits that we 
offer� They act as an exhilarating and en-
ergising force that unlocks huge potential�

Baloise is a strong partner – strong in terms 
of its growth, profitability and execution� 
You can rely on Baloise when you really 
need it, because its strength gives you the 
reassuring feeling of having a dependable 
partner at your side�

Baloise stands for professionalism� This 
enables  us  to  be  successful  and  deliver 
top-quality performance� We excel at un-
derstanding our core business, our cus-
tomers and our sales channels because we 
know that professional expertise provides 
peace of mind�

Zerrin Tunç
Customer Adviser, Claims Service 

Raphael Strub
Senior Claims Inspector 

Chantal Obergsell
Senior Business Informatics Specialist

“The art of customer service is 
to provide clients with the safe-
ty  and  security  they  need  by 
giving them the right informa-
tion, advice and support.”

“Strength means not only being 
able to achieve your goals but 
also knowing your weaknesses. 
Strength creates opportunities 
and is a character attribute that 
Baloise possesses in abundance 
– even after 150 years.”

“Assessing  risks  accurately, 
selecting the right methods to 
solve  a  problem  and,  conse-
quently, ensuring that applica-
tions are reliable – that is also 
part of our professionalism.”

15

4  Baloise
18  Review of operating performance
38  Sustainable business management
50  Corporate Governance
90  Financial Report 
244  Bâloise Holding Ltd
258  Notes

Review of operating 
performance

GROUP  ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������  18
Safe, secure, reliable and profitable  ������������������������������������������������  18

SWITZERLAND  �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������  22
Outstanding operational profitability  �������������������������������������������  22

GERMANY  ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������  23
Operational optimisation strengthening profitability  ����������  23

BELGIUM AND LUXEMBOURG  �������������������������������������������������������������  24
Significant growth stimulus  ���������������������������������������������������������������  24

OTHER UNITS  ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������  25

FINANCIAL INFORMATION  ��������������������������������������������������������������������  26
Consolidated income statement  �������������������������������������������������������  26
Consolidated balance sheet  ����������������������������������������������������������������  28
Business volume, premiums and combined ratio  ��������������������  29
Technical income statement  ��������������������������������������������������������������  31
Gross premiums by sector �������������������������������������������������������������������  32
Banking activities  �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������  33
Investment performance  ���������������������������������������������������������������������  34

Review of operating performance
Group

Safe, secure, reliable and profitable

Baloise generated outstanding growth in 2013 and increased its profit for the period. Its 
insurance business was highly lucrative and reported a solid combined ratio. In its life  
insurance business the Company achieved highly impressive growth and further improved  
its earnings.

OVERVIEW
The Baloise Group generated a profit of CHF 452�6 million for 
the 2013 financial year (2012: CHF 436�6 million)� This profit 
increase stemmed from the Company’s significant growth and 
robust operating earnings power� All three operating segments 
in the Baloise Group contributed to this profit expansion� The 
life insurance business raised its profit contribution by a sub-
stantial  47�9  per  cent,  while  the  non-life  insurance  division 
increased its profit contribution by 3�6 per cent despite consid-
erable storm-related claims� This sound profitability was also 
reflected in an encouraging net combined ratio of 94�9 per cent� 
The banking business managed to improve on its impressive 
prior-year results in a continuing low-interest-rate environment� 
The  Company’s  investments  performed  well  against  
a backdrop of benign equity markets and rising risk-free long-
term  interest  rates�  Investments  in  the  insurance  business 
yielded  a  return  of  2�3  per  cent  (2012:  6�6  per  cent)  despite 
lower bond prices� Equity even grew by a modest 0�7 per cent 
to more than CHF 4�9 billion, while the solvency ratio of 267 
per cent remained at an excellent level� 

Baloise possesses a unique product range thanks to its 
skilful combination of insurance and innovative safety and se-
curity solutions offered as part of its “Safety World”� By system-
atically targeting specific customers and partners, the Com-
pany  operates  with  one  of  the  most  profitable  insurance 
portfolios in Europe� These strong foundations form the basis 
on which growth can be further expanded through carefully 
targeted  initiatives�  2013  saw  business  in  Switzerland  grow 
promisingly in life insurance and achieve an impressive increase 
in premium volumes in non-life insurance as well� The Com-
pany’s operational optimisation initiatives and its sharp focus 
on attractive segments enabled its business in Germany to return 
to a successful trajectory� In Belgium, Baloise Insurance improved 

18

the profitability of the business that it had acquired in previous 
years� Baloise strengthened its position in the lucrative Luxem-
bourg market by way of an acquisition, increasing its market 
share to more than 10 per cent in 2014� 

BUSINESS VOLUME 2013 (GROSS) BY STRATEGIC BUSINESS UNIT  

As a percentage

   Switzerland  

   Germany  

   Belgium 

   Luxembourg  

   Other units and  
Group business 

48.4

19.2

15.5

14.3

2.7

The total volume of business, which includes investment-linked 
life insurance, increased by an outstanding 7�8 per cent to CHF 
9,009�5 million (2012: CHF 8,358�3 million)� Strong growth came 
from both investment-linked products (10�1 per cent) and con-
ventional life business (10�6 per cent)� Premiums earned from 
non-life insurance rose by 3�7 per cent year on year�

BUSINESS VOLUME

CHF million

Total business volume

Life

Non-life

Investment-type premiums

2012  
(reported)

8,358.3

3,424.0

3,317.7

1,616.6

2013

+/– %

9,009.5

3,787.2

3,441.7

1,780.6

7.8

10.6

3.7

10.1

 
Review of operating performance
Group

NON-LIFE DIVISION:  

LIFE DIVISION:  

ROBUST PROFITABILIT Y
The non-life insurance division (indemnity and personal insur-
ance) delivered an impressive performance on the back of its 
strong profitability� Although the cost of large claims was the 
highest for ten years, Baloise achieved a profit of CHF 366�3 
million before borrowing costs and taxes in this division (2012: 
CHF 353�5 million)� Its business in Switzerland once again un-
derpinned these results� Nonetheless, the non-life units in Ger-
many, Belgium, Luxembourg and Austria all improved their 
profitability owing to cost-cutting measures and increased their 
profit contribution in the Baloise Group’s non-life division� Al-
though the cost of large claims more than doubled compared 
with the previous year, this profit contribution is reflected in 
the Company’s impressive net combined ratio of 94�9 per cent� 
Baloise expanded the total volume of premiums under IFRS to 
CHF 3,441�7 million (2012: CHF 3,317�7 million), which con-
stituted an increase of 3�7 per cent in Swiss francs and 2�4 per 
cent  in  local-currency  terms�  All  business  units  in  the  geo-
graphical regions contributed to this growth when measured 
in local-currency terms�

NET COMBINED RATIO (REPORTED) 

As a percentage

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

94.9

94.1

95.5

95.2

94.4

SUBSTANTIAL PROFIT CONTRIBUTION
The life insurance division raised its profit before borrowing 
costs and taxes by 47�9 per cent to CHF 261�1 million in the 
reporting year (2012: CHF 176�5 million)� This increase was 
largely attributable to the more benign capital market conditions 
as well as improvements in the Company’s technical result�  
Although 2013 saw modest interest rate rises, life insurers con-
tinued to be faced with the major challenge of generating at-
tractive returns at a time of historically low interest rates� The 
total volume of business, which includes investment-linked life 
insurance, grew to CHF 5,567�8 million (2012: CHF 5,040�6 mil-
lion)� One especially encouraging aspect was that the increase 
of 10�5 per cent in Swiss francs and 9�5 per cent in local-cur-
rency terms was equally attributable to exceptional growth of 
more than 10 per cent in both conventional life insurance and 
investment-linked products� Baloise’s conventional life insur-
ance business increased by 10�6 per cent in Swiss francs and 
10�1 per cent in local-currency terms to CHF 3,787�2 million 
(2012: CHF 3,424�0 million)� The Baloise Group's growth in this 
segment was driven by Switzerland, where conventional life 
insurance business advanced by 15�5 per cent on the back of the 
group life operations� Investment-linked life insurance achieved 
strong growth – especially in Luxembourg and Switzerland – 
with its aggregate volume expanding by 10�1 per cent in Swiss 
francs and 8�2 per cent in local-currency terms to CHF 1,780�6 
million (2012: CHF 1,616�6 million)� 

The embedded value of the life insurance business rose 
from CHF 2,752�8 million to CHF 3,808�6 million in 2013� The 
return on embedded value came to 35�1 per cent� Operating 
income contributed CHF 205�4 million of the embedded value� 
A further CHF 776�4 million stemmed from changes in the 
economic environment� The value of new business amounted 
to CHF 44�9 million, and the new business margin was 13�5 per 
cent (2012: 8�9 per cent)�

19

 
Review of operating performance
Group

BANKING DIVISION: CONSISTENT AND SOLID
The banking division managed to defy the continuing low-in-
terest-rate environment by generating a solid profit of CHF 75�4 
million before borrowing costs and taxes (2012: CHF 72�8 mil-
lion) thanks to the robust operating performances delivered by 
Baloise Asset Management and Baloise Bank SoBa� This profit 
increase was primarily attributable to higher income from bro-
kerage and services business and to rigorous cost containment�

EQUIT Y REFLECTS VERY STRONG CAPITAL BASE
On 31 December 2013 the Baloise Group’s consolidated equity 
totalled CHF 4,906�4 million, which was virtually unchanged 
on its high prior-year figure� The solvency ratio amounted to 
an impressive 267 per cent� It was 10 percentage points lower 
year on year owing to the strong growth in business volumes� 
The economic capital ratio determined under the Swiss Sol-
vency Test (SST) remained comfortably within the green zone�

SIGNIFICANT GAINS ON INVESTMENTS
2013 was characterised by benign equity markets and – revers-
ing the trend towards lower interest rates in recent years – ris-
ing risk-free long-term interest rates� The key driver behind 
these developments was the US Federal Reserve, which took the 
first  steps  towards  normalising  (“tapering”)  its  extremely  

expansionary monetary policy, while the European Central Bank 
did what it could to calm the situation in the European markets� 
These  measures  increased  investors’  risk  appetite�  Baloise’s  
investments continued to perform well in this environment� 

These investments generated net income of CHF 1,907�0 
million, which was just below the corresponding prior-year 
figure of CHF 1,947�6 million� This amounted to a net return of 
3�1 per cent (2012: 3�3 per cent)� Recurring income remained 
virtually unchanged year on year at CHF 1,765�1 million despite 
persistently low interest rates (2012: CHF 1,782�2 million)� 

With our bond investments we exploited specific market 
opportunities – provided that they met our consistently high 
quality criteria� The rise in risk-free interest rates caused the 
prices of the bonds in our portfolio to fall – with the correspond-
ing effect recognised in equity – and book losses to be incurred 
on interest-rate derivatives� Consequently, the rate of return on 
insurance assets according to International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRS) – which includes unrealised net gains and 
losses on investments but excludes gains and losses on held-to-
maturity debt instruments – was 2�3 per cent, which was well 
below the prior-year figure of 6�6 per cent�

Baloise increased its equity exposure during the reporting 
year, selecting stocks that meet its stringent quality criteria and 
offer consistently high dividend payments� After their valuations 

PROPRIETARY INVESTMENTS BY CATEGORY1

INVESTMENT COMPONENTS 2013

CHF million

Investment property

Equities

Alternative financial assets

2012  
(reported)

5,441.0 

2,142.7 

1,270.8 

5,685.9 

3,143.3 

1,255.0 

Fixed-income securities

30,693.6 

30,604.1 

Mortgage assets

11,009.9 

11,136.8 

Policy loans and other loans

7,501.0 

7,192.7 

2013

+/– %

As a percentage

4.5 

46.7 

– 1.2 

– 0.3 

1.2 

– 4.1 

  Fixed-income securities  

   Mortgage assets  

   Policy loans and other loans  

   Investment property  

   Equities 

   Cash and cash equivalents  

Derivatives

334.9 

232.2 

– 30.7 

   Alternative financial assets 

Cash and cash equivalents

2,034.4 

1,992.2 

Total

60,428.3 

61,242.2 

– 2.1 

1.3 

   Derivatives  

1   Excluding investments for the account and at the risk of life insurance policyholders and 

third parties.

20

50.0

18.2

11.7

9.3

5.1

3.3

2.0

0.4

Review of operating performance
Group

ASSETS HELD BY BALOISE

as at 31 December 2012 (restated)

CHF million

Proprietary investments

Investment-linked life insurance1

Total recognised assets

Asset management for third parties

Total assets under management

as at 31 December 2013

CHF million

Proprietary investments

Investment-linked life insurance1

Total recognised assets

Asset management for third parties

Total assets under management

Non-life

Life

Banking

Total for the 
Group

9,384.2

43,725.9

7,274.9

60,428.3

8,779.3

9,021.0

9,384.2

52,505.2

7,274.9

69,449.3

4,376.4

73,825.7

Non-life

Life

Banking

Total for the 
Group

9,615.4

44,490.3

7,351.2

61,242.2

9,606.8

9,863.5

9,615.4

54,097.1

7,351.2

71,105.8

4,473.9

75,579.6

1   Including CHF 47.3 million (2012: CHF 87.1 million) in other assets (precious metal holdings from investment-linked life insurance policies).

had remained more or less flat in the first half of 2013, hedge 
funds delivered impressive returns in the second half of the 
year� The performance of private equity investments was also 
encouraging, albeit somewhat subdued compared with pub-
licly traded shares� The impairment losses recognised on finan-
cial instruments with characteristics of equity totalled CHF 
32�7 million (gross), which was once again a significant year-
on-year decrease� Investment property continued to yield stable 
returns and higher valuations� The values and income streams 
generated by our mortgages remained consistent�

21

Review of operating performance
Switzerland

Switzerland
Outstanding operational profitability 

Baloise was a leading player in the Swiss market in 2013 and continued to improve its already 
high profitability. It strengthened its product range and exploited growth opportunities in its 
life insurance business.

excellent combined ratios for many years� The total volume of 
premiums rose by 2�0 per cent to CHF 1,343�1 million (2012: 
CHF 1,316�2 million)� 

The total volume of business in the life insurance division 
grew by an outstanding 17�5 per cent to CHF 3,019�9 million 
(2012: CHF 2,569�2 million)� The division’s profit before bor-
rowing costs and taxes also rose� The product mix in individu-
al life insurance continued to be fully adapted to the low-inter-
est-rate environment� Overall, Basler Switzerland achieved growth 
of 15�5 per cent in its conventional life insurance business� The 
volume of investment-linked life insurance increased mainly 
as a result of the transfer of the variable annuity products busi-
ness, which had previously been reported in Liechtenstein�

BALOISE BANK SOBA: HIGHER PROFIT AND ROBUST GROWTH
Baloise Bank SoBa performed well in 2013, gaining further in 
strength and raising its gross profit� It increased its net profit 
by 1�6 per cent to CHF 22�2 million (all figures reported accord-
ing to local accounting standards)� Growth and additional cost 
containment compensated for the lower levels of income gener-
ated by the interest-earning business, which continued to con-
tract because interest rates were so low� Brokerage and services 
business performed very encouragingly� In addition, customer 
loans and deposits grew further� Baloise Bank SoBa’s joint busi-
ness model in collaboration with Basler Insurance continued 
to achieve success, with the volumes generated by the insurance 
sales force growing by 7�4 per cent to CHF 2,476 million�

KEY FIGURES FOR 
SWITZERLAND

CHF million

Business volume 

Of which: life

Of which: non-life

Gross combined ratio  
(per cent)

Profit before borrowing  
costs and taxes

2012  
(reported)

3,885.4

2,569.2

1,316.2

83.8

2013

+/– %

4,363.1

3,019.9

1,343.1

86.4

12.3

17.5

2.0

–

378.2

434.5

14.9

BASLER INSURANCE: STRONG GROWTH
Basler Switzerland reaffirmed its strong market position by de-
livering an impressive operating performance as well as excellent 
growth in life insurance and encouraging growth in indemnity 
and personal insurance� The life and non-life divisions strength-
ened their product ranges by adding new safety and security 
components, thereby underscoring Basler Switzerland’s consid-
erable innovative capabilities� Profit before borrowing costs and 
taxes jumped by 14�9 per cent to CHF 434�5 million (2012: CHF 
378�2 million)� Life insurance business made a valuable contribu-
tion to this encouraging performance� The total volume of busi-
ness (including investment-linked life insurance) rose sharply 
by 12�3 per cent to CHF 4,363�1 million (2012: CHF 3,885�4 mil-
lion) primarily owing to the strong growth in life insurance 
business� The volumes generated by the unique business model 
combining banking and insurance continued to grow�

The non-life division remained operationally strong� The 
gross combined ratio amounted to an excellent 86�4 per cent 
(2012: 83�8 per cent)� Basler Switzerland has been achieving 

22

Review of operating performance
Germany

Germany
Operational optimisation strengthening profitability

The Company’s sharp focus on attractive segments, the adjustments made to its sales  
operations, and its significant cost containment initiatives enabled its German business to 
return to a successful trajectory. The impressive net result achieved here represented a  
milestone on this path. 

which was an increase of 0�9 per cent in Swiss francs� The prop-
erty insurance division raised its total volume of premiums by 
4�2 per cent to CHF 894�3 million (2012: CHF 857�9 million)� 
This positive trend stemmed largely from the target segments, 
which grew more strongly than the market as a whole� Although 
this unit achieved growth in life insurance as well in its target 
segments, the volumes generated by this division contracted 
overall� 

The concentration and optimisation of this business are 
progressing according to plan� The framework agreement signed 
at the beginning of March 2014 confirms Bad Homburg and 
Hamburg as target sites� In Bremen and Nuremberg, individu-
al units will be closed by the end of the first quarter of 2016 and 
no further staff will be taken on� The Basler Versicherungen 
units in Germany plan to reduce their costs by roughly EUR  
40 million by 2015 and to cut 400 jobs by the end of 2017�

KEY FIGURES FOR GERMANY

CHF million

Business volume 

Of which: life

Of which: non-life

Gross combined ratio  
(per cent)

2012  
(reported)

2013

+/– %

1,712.1

1,727.3

854.2

857.9

99.1

833.0

894.3

104.1

0.9

– 2.5

4.2

–

Profit before borrowing costs 
and taxes

17.2

68.0

295.3

The operational optimisation measures taken in Germany proved 
effective� The Basler Versicherungen units in Germany raised 
their profit before borrowing costs and taxes by 295�3 per cent 
from CHF 17�2 million in 2012 to CHF 68�0 million in 2013� 
This improvement was all the more remarkable because Ger-
many was battered by severe storms, which caused a huge amount 
of damage� Flood damage that occurred in May and June re-
sulted in substantial costs for large claims� Because of hailstorms 
and other storms that occurred in July, August and October, 
almost 65 per cent of the natural disasters that arose in the 
Baloise Group affected its German units� The German business 
reported large claims totalling in excess of CHF 70 million� The 
gross combined ratio deteriorated year on year to 104�1 per cent 
owing to the increase in claims incurred (2012: 99�1 per cent)� 
The Basler Versicherungen units in Germany lowered their ex-
pense ratio by 1�6 percentage points� By focusing relentlessly on 
costs and efficiency measures across all processes, these insur-
ance units are gradually reducing their cost base�

The German business expanded its total volume of busi-
ness from CHF 1,712�1 million in 2012 to CHF 1,727�3 million, 

23

Review of operating performance
Belgium and Luxembourg

Belgium and Luxembourg 
Significant growth stimulus

The business units in Belgium and Luxembourg continued to generate strong growth and 
further improved their profitability. 

BELGIUM:  

SIGNIFICANT EARNINGS GROWTH

KEY FIGURES FOR BELGIUM

business in the life insurance division, which contracted by  
4�7 per cent, declined by much less than the market as a whole, 
which decreased by 26�5 per cent� 

CHF million

Business volume 

Of which: life

Of which: non-life

Gross combined ratio  
(per cent)

Profit before borrowing  
costs and taxes

2012  
(reported)

2013

+/– %

1,358.6

1,393.5

453.2

905.4

99.8

441.2

952.3

93.5

2.6

– 2.7

5.2

–

LUXEMBOURG:

STRONG GROWTH

KEY FIGURES FOR 
LUXEMBOURG

73.8

120.8

63.7

CHF million

Business volume 

Of which: life

Of which: non-life

Gross combined ratio  
(per cent)

2012  
(reported)

1,168.9

1,093.8

75.1

102.1

2013

+/– %

1,284.0

1,204.9

79.1

83.9

9.8

10.2

5.3

–

Profit before borrowing costs 
and taxes

0.1

16.9

n.a.

The business unit in Luxembourg was again highly successful 
and reported impressive financial results, generating a profit of 
CHF 16�9 million before borrowing costs and taxes (2012: CHF 
0�1 million)� It reduced its gross combined ratio from the ex-
ceptionally high prior-year level of 102�1 per cent to an excellent 
83�9 per cent� There was highly impressive growth in the total 
volume of business, which rose by 9�8 per cent to CHF 1,284�0 
million (2012: CHF 1,168�9 million)� In its local business the 
Luxembourg unit grew by 5�3 per cent in property insurance 
and by 2�8 per cent in conventional life insurance�

Baloise’s Belgian business unit has been operating in the market 
under the “Baloise Insurance” brand name since January 2013 
and, following its acquisitions, it is well positioned in the high-
ly attractive Belgian market� The Belgian business unit increased 
its profit before borrowing costs and taxes by 63�7 per cent from 
CHF 73�8 million to CHF 120�8 million� This means that the 
Belgian units made the second-largest contribution to the Baloise 
Group’s  profit  for  the  period  (behind  only  the  Swiss  units)�  
Baloise Insurance strengthened the profitability of its recently 
acquired business and significantly lowered the gross combined 
ratio for its non-life insurance operations by 6�3 percentage 
points from 99�8 per cent in 2012 to an impressive 93�5 per cent� 
This encouraging trend was primarily driven by a 4�7 percent-
age-point decrease in the claims ratio, a 1�7 percentage-point 
reduction in the expense ratio, and the larger volume of premi-
ums� The total volume of business grew by 2�6 per cent from 
CHF 1,358�6 million to CHF 1,393�5 million� The property in-
surance business in Belgium increased by 5�2 per cent in Swiss 
francs and 3�0 per cent in local-currency terms� The volume of 

24

Review of operating performance
Other units

Other units

Basler Austria posted excellent results, while Baloise improved its operating performance  
in Croatia and Serbia.

KEY FIGURES FOR OTHER UNITS

CHF million

Business volume 

Of which: life

Of which: non-life

Gross combined ratio for 
Basler Austria (per cent) 

Gross combined ratio for 
Croatia and Serbia (per cent)

Profit before borrowing costs 
and taxes

2012  
(reported)

2013

+/– %

226.5

70.1

156.4

97.7

236.5

68.8

167.7

92.0

105.8

102.3

4.4

– 1.9

7.2

–

–

4.6

– 13.5

n.a.

CROATIA AND SERBIA: IMPROVEMENT
Baloise increased the total volume of business transacted in 
Croatia and Serbia together by 2�4 per cent to CHF 70�0 million 
(2012: CHF 68�4 million)� Both units improved their claims 
ratios and expense ratios and together achieved a combined 
ratio of 102�3 per cent (2012: 105�8 per cent)� As part of its stra-
tegic focus, the Baloise Group has agreed to sell its subsidiaries 
in  Croatia  and  Serbia  to  the  Austria-based  UNIQA  Group�  
Baloise expects to incur a total loss of roughly CHF 30 million 
on this transaction� Almost all of this amount has been re- 
cognised in the annual financial statements for 2013�

AUSTRIA: OUTSTANDING RESULTS
Basler Austria continued to generate growth and expand its 
sales activities� Its non-life insurance business grew by 7�3 per 
cent, while its total volume of business increased by 5�3 per cent 
to CHF 166�5 million (2012: CHF 158�2 million)� The volume 
of life insurance business contracted slightly owing to market 
conditions� The combined ratio fell by 5�7 percentage points to 
an excellent  92�0 per cent owing to cost reductions and the 
lower level of claims incurred compared with the prior-year 
figure, which had been impaired by claims for damage caused 
by storms, snow pressure and frost�

25

Review of operating performance
Consolidated income statement

FIVE-YEAR OVERVIEW 

CHF million

Income

2009

2010

2011

2012 (restated)

2013

Premiums earned and policy fees (gross)1

Reinsurance premiums ceded

Premiums earned and policy fees (net)

6,841.5

– 190.3

6,651.2

6,854.3

– 168.2

6,686.1

Investment income

1,921.2

1,811.2

Realised gains and losses on investments2

Income from services rendered

Share of profit (loss) of associates

Other operating income

435.6

427.3

1.4

108.1

501.6

283.4

– 0.5

202.7

6,806.9

– 176.3

6,630.6

1,766.5

– 943.4

158.6

10.2

140.1

6,731.1

– 176.5

6,554.6

7,212.7

– 167.9

7,044.8

1,782.2

1,765.1

852.9

125.0

16.5

92.0

670.3

119.0

40.5

107.9

Income

Expense

9,544.8

9,484.5

7,762.6

9,423.2

9,747.5

Claims and benefits paid (gross)

– 5,383.4

– 5,212.9

– 5,311.5

– 5,449.4

Change in technical reserves (gross)

Reinsurance share of claims incurred

Acquisition costs

Operating and administrative expenses  
for insurance business

Investment management expenses

Interest expenses on insurance liabilities

Gains or losses on financial contracts

Other operating expenses

Expense

– 968.3

– 1,393.2

– 639.9

58.1

– 499.1

– 925.1

– 78.8

– 69.4

– 407.9

– 708.8

47.5

– 491.5

– 856.0

– 64.8

– 61.2

– 219.8

– 625.4

53.3

– 576.8

– 847.0

– 61.3

– 51.6

324.0

– 507.9

– 867.7

113.2

– 651.0

– 900.0

– 59.0

– 50.5

– 577.8

– 363.2

– 5,439.7

– 1,359.4

75.5

– 500.5

– 897.1

– 70.6

– 47.3

– 368.9

– 481.3

– 8,982.7

– 8,877.3

– 7,618.7

– 8,805.4

– 9,089.3

Profit before borrowing costs and taxes 

562.1

607.2

143.9

617.9

658.2

Borrowing costs

Profit before taxes

Income taxes

Profit for the period

Attributable to

Shareholders

Non-controlling interests

Earnings / loss per share 

Basic (CHF)

Diluted (CHF)

Footnotes: see next page.

26

– 45.1

517.0

– 96.0

421.0

– 52.8

554.4

– 117.7

436.7

414.1

6.9

433.4

3.3

8.64

8.57

9.14

8.89

– 55.0

88.9

– 27.6

61.3

60.8

0.5

1.30

1.29

– 61.0

556.8

– 71.6

485.2

479.5

5.7

10.24

9.96

– 50.1

608.1

– 152.7

455.4

452.6

2.8

9.65

9.38

Consolidated income statementReview of operating performance
Consolidated income statement

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

CHF million

Gross premiums written and policy fees

Investment-type premiums

Total business volume

Investments for the account and at the risk  
of life insurance policyholders

Gross combined ratio

Funding ratio (non-life) (per cent)

2009

2010

2011

2012 (restated)

2013

6,859.8

2,905.6

9,765.4

6,859.8

2,681.6

9,541.4

6,803.3

1,341.2

8,144.5

6,741.7

1,616.6

8,358.3

7,228.9

1,780.6

9,009.5

6,818.1

7,821.7

7,746.8

8,779.3

9,606.8

91.2

187.7

92.2

180.5

92.4

195.9

93.2

184.3

93.1

179.8

1   In line with the accounting principles applied by the Baloise Group, investment-type insurance premiums are not included in premiums earned and policy fees.
2   Including financial liabilities held for trading purposes (derivative financial instruments).

27

Review of operating performance
Consolidated balance sheet

Consolidated balance sheet

Financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities

26,502.7

25,840.5

28,917.5

32,513.3

FIVE-YEAR OVERVIEW 

CHF million

Assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Investments in associates

Investment property

Financial instruments with characteristics of equity

Mortgages and loans

Derivative financial instruments

Other assets / receivables

Deferred tax assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

CHF million

Equity and liabilities

Equity

Equity before non-controlling interests

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Liabilities

Liabilities arising from banking business  
and financial contracts

Derivative financial instruments

Other accounts payable

Deferred tax liabilities

Total liabilities

2009

2010

2011

2012  
(restated)

2013

611.2

1,562.4

143.1

5,071.7

9,486.1

535.7

1,342.6

211.3

5,046.6

9,844.2

559.9

1,300.2

173.5

5,138.0

9,703.9

458.5

1,078.5

227.2

5,441.0

9,475.7

18,643.5

17,693.5

18,042.7

18,510.9

123.7

2,593.0

26.4

536.3

2,111.6

20.2

334.1

2,586.4

22.2

497.6

2,618.6

32.7

2,528.7

2,208.9

2,287.8

2,923.7

422.5

1,080.3

222.0

5,685.9

11,344.4

32,327.1

18,329.5

410.7

2,857.7

56.0

2,960.8

67,292.5

65,391.4

69,066.2

73,777.7

75,696.9

2009

2010

2011

2012  
(restated)

2013

4,315.0

195.0

4,510.0

4,100.0

3,860.3

4,603.5

33.5

33.3

37.8

4,855.9

50.5

4,133.5

3,893.6

4,641.3

4,906.4

11,396.4

12,863.3

13,998.1

15,839.6

49.5

5,299.6

692.8

29.9

4,277.3

641.7

175.3

4,782.9

654.4

64.4

5,802.0

838.5

47,435.6

16,542.1

68.2

5,862.3

882.3

62,782.5

61,257.9

65,172.6

69,136.4

70,790.5

Gross technical reserves

45,344.2

43,445.7

45,561.9

46,591.9

Total equity and liabilities

67,292.5

65,391.4

69,066.2

73,777.7

75,696.9

28

Review of operating performance
Business volume,
premiums and combined ratio

Business volume, premiums  
and combined ratio

BUSINESS VOLUME

2012 (restated)

CHF million

Non-life

Life

Sub-total of IFRS gross premiums 
written1

Investment-type premiums

Total business volume

2013

CHF million

Non-life

Life

Sub-total of IFRS gross premiums 
written1

Investment-type premiums

Total business volume

1   Premiums written and policy fees (gross).
2   Other units: Austria, Croatia and Serbia.

Group

Switzerland

Germany

Belgium

Luxem- 
bourg

Other  
units2

3,317.7

3,424.0

6,741.7

1,616.6

8,358.3

1,316.2

2,510.6

3,826.8

857.9

634.7

905.4

163.9

1,492.6

1,069.3

58.6

219.5

289.3

3,885.4

1,712.1

1,358.6

75.1

62.1

137.2

1,031.7

1,168.9

156.4

52.7

209.1

17.4

226.5

Group

Switzerland

Germany

Belgium

Luxem- 
bourg

Other  
units2

3,441.7

3,787.2

7,228.9

1,780.6

9,009.5

1,343.1

2,900.9

4,244.0

894.3

609.3

952.3

165.2

1,503.6

1,117.5

119.0

223.7

276.0

4,363.1

1,727.3

1,393.5

79.1

60.1

139.3

1,144.8

1,284.0

167.7

51.6

219.3

17.2

236.5

29

Review of operating performance
Business volume,
premiums and combined ratio

GROSS COMBINED RATIO

2012 (restated)

Group

Switzerland

Germany

Belgium

Luxembourg

as a percentage of premiums earned

Claims ratio

Expense ratio

Profit-sharing ratio

Combined ratio

60.7

31.8

0.7

93.2

57.5

25.0

1.3

83.8

62.8

36.1

0.3

99.2

62.8

36.7

0.3

99.8

66.3

35.6

0.2

102.1

2013

Group

Switzerland

Germany

Belgium

Luxembourg

61.4

31.0

0.7

93.1

60.3

25.1

1.0

86.4

69.3

34.4

0.4

104.1

49.3

34.3

0.3

83.9

58.1

35.0

0.4

93.5

Gross

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

60.7

31.8

0.7

93.2

61.4

31.0

0.7

93.1

60.3

33.1

0.7

94.1

as a percentage of premiums earned

Claims ratio

Expense ratio

Profit-sharing ratio

Combined ratio

1   Other units: Austria, Croatia and Serbia.

GROSS AND NET COMBINED RATIO

as a percentage of premiums earned

Claims ratio

Expense ratio

Profit-sharing ratio

Combined ratio

FUNDING RATIO (NON-LIFE)

CHF million

Technical reserve for own account1

Premiums written and policy fees for own account

Funding ratio (per cent)

1   Not including capitalised settlement premiums.

30

Other  
units1

62.2

36.9

–

99.1

Other  
units1

58.1

36.2

–

94.3

Net 

2013

62.1

32.1

0.7

94.9

2012 (restated)

2013

5,834.8

3,166.1

184.3

5,933.3

3,300.4

179.8

Review of operating performance
Technical income statement

Technical income statement

CHF million

Gross

Gross premiums written and policy fees

Change in unearned premium reserves

Premiums earned and policy fees (gross)

Claims and benefits paid (gross)

Change in technical reserves (gross)

Change in claims reserve / actuarial reserves1

Change in other technical reserves

Technical expenses

Total technical result (gross)

Ceded to reinsurers

Reinsurance premiums ceded

Claims and benefits paid

Reinsurers' share of claims incurred 

Change in other technical reserves

Technical expenses

Non-life

Life3

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

3,317.7

– 10.6

3,307.1

3,441.7

– 16.2

3,425.5

3,424.0

3,787.2

–

–

3,424.0

3,787.2

– 2,009.1

– 2,073.7

– 3,440.2

– 3,366.0

– 20.8

– 21.9

– 52.1

– 59.1

– 1,086.9

– 1,096.9

– 513.5

– 311.9

– 547.3

– 833.7

– 414.9

– 372.9

168.4

143.7

– 1,388.9

– 1,200.3

– 157.8

66.9

39.3

0.4

9.7

– 148.3

67.6

3.2

0.3

7.7

– 18.7

– 19.5

7.0

– 0.2

0.2

3.0

– 8.6

4.7

– 0.8

0.8

3.3

– 11.5

Total technical result of ceded business

– 41.5

– 69.5

For own account

Premiums earned and policy fees

Claims and benefits paid

Change in claims reserve / actuarial reserves1

Change in other technical reserves

Technical expenses

Total technical result for own account

Investment income (gross)

Realised gains and losses on investments2

Investment management expenses

Other financial expenses and income

Gains or losses on investments

Profit before borrowing costs and taxes

Borrowing costs

Income taxes

Profit for the period (segment result)

3,149.3

3,277.1

3,405.3

3,767.7

– 1,942.3

– 2,006.1

– 3,433.2

– 3,361.3

18.5

– 21.5

– 48.9

– 58.8

– 1,077.2

– 1,089.2

– 513.8

– 311.6

– 544.3

– 834.5

– 414.1

– 369.6

126.9

285.2

– 1.9

– 19.3

18.8

282.8

409.7

–

– 21.7

388.0

74.2

– 1,397.6

– 1,211.8

276.2

118.1

– 22.2

– 79.9

292.1

366.3

–

– 75.3

291.0

1,347.5

1,349.4

845.8

– 78.5

– 540.5

1,574.3

176.7

–

– 27.9

148.9

532.1

– 88.3

– 320.3

1,472.9

261.1

–

– 65.8

195.3

1   Including change in reserve for claims handling costs.
2   Including financial liabilities held for trading purposes (derivative financial instruments).
3   Of which deferred gains / losses from other operating segments (31 December 2012: CHF –6.2 million; 31 December 2013: CHF –1.7 million).

31

Review of operating performance
Gross premiums by sector

Gross premiums by sector

GROSS PREMIUMS BY SECTOR (NON-LIFE)

CHF million

Accident

Health

General liability

Motor

Property

Marine

Other

Inward reinsurance

Gross premiums written (non-life)

GROSS PREMIUMS BY SECTOR (LIFE)

CHF million

Business volume generated by single premiums

Business volume generated by periodic premiums

Investment-type premiums

Gross premiums written (life)

2012 (restated)

2013

+/– %

444.7 

124.5 

346.5 

1,089.1 

1,003.4 

193.2 

72.2 

44.1 

442.1 

131.8 

361.3 

1,129.4 

1,065.6 

185.1 

78.7 

47.7 

3,317.7 

3,441.7 

– 0.6 

5.9 

4.3 

3.7 

6.2 

– 4.2 

9.0 

8.2 

3.7 

2012 (restated)

2013

+/– %

2,427.6 

2,613.0 

2,910.0 

2,657.8 

– 1,616.6 

– 1,780.6 

3,424.0 

3,787.2 

19.9 

1.7 

10.1 

10.6 

32

Review of operating performance
Banking activities

Banking activities

PROFIT OR LOSS FROM BANKING ACTIVITIES

CHF million

Total interest income

Total interest expenses

Net interest income

Net fee and commission income

Trading profit

Other net income

Total operating income

Personnel expenses

General and administrative expenses

Total operating expenses

Gross profit

Net losses and impairment due to credit risk

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment of property, plant and equipment and of intangible assets

Profit before taxes 

Income taxes

Profit for the period (segment result) 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

CHF million

Assets managed for third parties

Risk-weighted assets of banking activities1

ASSET ALLOCATION

CHF million

Investment property

Equities

Alternative financial assets

Fixed-income securities

Mortgage assets

Policy loans and other loans

Derivative financial instruments

Cash and cash equivalents

Total

1   The amount shown as at 31 December 2012 has not been restated.

2012 (restated)

2013

168.7 

– 69.3 

99.3 

63.1 

– 9.4 

1.2 

156.9 

– 61.3 

95.6 

67.0 

2.8 

5.9 

154.3 

171.3 

– 53.6 

– 17.4 

– 71.0 

83.3 

6.6 

– 11.4 

78.6 

– 14.5 

64.0 

– 58.8 

– 13.9 

– 72.7 

98.5 

– 4.1 

– 19.1 

75.4 

– 13.8 

61.6 

2012 (restated)

2013

4,376.4 

3,439.8 

4,473.9 

3,290.1 

2012 (restated)

2013

–

9.0 

–

428.6 

6,311.0 

243.1 

15.3 

267.9 

–

8.2 

–

435.1 

6,454.8 

235.5 

7.2 

210.4 

7,274.9 

7,351.2 

33

Review of operating performance
Investment performance

Investment performance 

INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE 

2012 (restated)1

CHF million

Current income

Realised gains and losses  
and impairment losses  
recognised in profit or loss (net)

Change in unrealised gains and losses 
recognised directly in equity

Investment management costs

Operating profit

Fixed-income 
securities

Equities

Investment 
property

Mortgage  
assets, policy  
loans and  
other loans

Alternative  
financial assets,  
derivatives, 
cash and cash  
equivalents

Total

895.0 

5.8 

81.6 

63.2 

245.1 

136.1 

548.3 

– 0.2 

12.2 

19.4 

1,782.2 

224.4 

1,408.9 

117.5 

–

–

34.5 

1,560.8 

– 26.7 

2,282.9 

– 2.9 

259.4 

– 5.5 

375.8 

– 13.6 

534.5 

– 10.2 

55.9 

– 58.9 

3,508.4 

Average investment portfolio

29,337.5 

2,166.5 

5,289.5 

18,276.8 

3,523.8 

58,594.2 

Performance (per cent)

7.8 

12.0 

7.1 

2.9 

1.6 

6.0 

20131

CHF million

Current income

Realised gains and losses  
and impairment losses  
recognised in profit or loss (net)

Change in unrealised gains and losses 
recognised directly in equity

Investment management costs

Operating profit

Fixed-income 
securities

Equities

Investment 
property

Mortgage  
assets, policy  
loans and  
other loans

Alternative  
financial assets,  
derivatives, 
cash and cash 
 equivalents

Total

891.2 

192.0 

88.3 

79.7 

253.3 

127.0 

521.6 

26.2 

10.8 

– 214.2 

1,765.1 

210.7 

– 795.1 

203.8 

–

–

49.7 

– 541.7 

– 27.6 

260.4 

– 4.1 

367.7 

– 8.7 

371.6 

– 16.8 

531.0 

– 11.6 

– 165.4 

– 68.9 

1,365.3 

Average investment portfolio

30,648.8 

2,643.0 

5,563.5 

18,420.2 

3,559.8 

60,835.3 

Performance (per cent)

0.8 

13.9 

6.7 

2.9 

– 4.6 

2.2 

1   Excluding investments for the account and at the risk of life insurance policyholders and third parties.

34

Review of operating performance
Investment performance

CURRENT INCOME FROM INSURANCE1

CHF million

Investment property

Equities

Alternative financial assets

Fixed-income securities

Mortgage assets

Policy loans and other loans

Derivative financial instruments

Cash and cash equivalents

Total current income

REALISED GAINS AND LOSSES IN 
INSURANCE1

CHF million

Investment property

Equities

Alternative financial assets

Fixed-income securities

Mortgage assets

Policy loans and other loans

Derivative financial instruments

Cash and cash equivalents

Total capital gains and losses

ASSET ALLOCATION IN INSURANCE1

CHF million

Investment property

Equities

Alternative financial assets

Fixed-income securities

Mortgage assets

Policy loans and other loans

Derivative financial instruments

2012 (restated)

Non-life

Life

Total

Non-life

Life

36.2 

29.8 

1.3 

159.9 

10.0 

47.3 

–

0.7 

198.3 

51.5 

7.6 

724.5 

118.8 

244.6 

–

2.2 

234.4 

81.3 

8.9 

884.4 

128.9 

291.9 

–

2.9 

34.2 

32.8 

2.0 

149.8 

8.8 

48.3 

–

0.3 

205.8 

55.1 

7.2 

730.5 

109.1 

240.8 

–

1.0 

2013

Total

240.0 

87.9 

9.1 

880.3 

117.8 

289.1 

–

1.4 

285.2 

1,347.5 

1,632.8 

276.2 

1,349.4 

1,625.6 

2012 (restated)

Non-life

Life

Total

Non-life

Life

2013

Total

131.1 

80.3 

1.2 

190.9 

– 6.3 

36.5 

21.5 

45.7 

3.6 

42.5 

– 0.2 

29.9 

109.7 

34.6 

– 2.4 

148.4 

– 6.1 

6.6 

– 7.9 

48.3 

– 2.1 

– 9.2 

– 0.3 

– 0.3 

– 30.5 

–

– 1.9 

147.1 

14.1 

3.1 

15.0 

– 2.5 

– 3.4 

57.5 

–

139.3 

62.4 

1.0 

5.9 

– 2.7 

– 3.7 

27.1 

–

231.1 

229.2 

118.1 

– 24.9 

– 202.0 

– 226.9 

–

–

88.8 

–

206.9 

2012 (restated)

Non-life

Life

Total

Non-life

Life

777.4 

682.8 

267.2 

4,476.0 

1,449.4 

1,003.6 

5,253.4 

2,132.2 

1,270.8 

782.1 

1,064.8 

270.0 

4,675.6 

2,068.0 

985.0 

2013

Total

5,457.8 

3,132.8 

1,255.0 

5,562.0 

24,692.8 

30,254.8 

5,369.3 

24,798.6 

30,167.9 

417.1 

1,149.8 

6.4 

4,281.7 

6,490.5 

311.1 

4,698.9 

7,640.3 

317.4 

393.3 

1,247.8 

17.0 

470.9 

4,288.7 

6,357.3 

196.8 

4,682.0 

7,605.2 

213.8 

1,120.3 

1,591.3 

Cash and cash equivalents

521.5 

1,020.8 

1,542.3 

Total

9,384.2 

43,725.9 

53,110.1 

9,615.4 

44,490.3 

54,105.7 

1   Excluding investments for the account and at the risk of life insurance policyholders and third parties.

35

4  Baloise
18  Review of operating performance
38  Sustainable business management
50  Corporate Governance
90  Financial Report 
244  Bâloise Holding Ltd
258  Notes

Sustainable business 
management

HUMAN RESOURCES  ������������������������������������������������������������������������������  38
Our highly skilled workforce has been providing our  
clients with peace of mind for the last 150 years  ����������������������  38

ECOLOGY  ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������  42
Protecting the environment over the long term  �����������������������  42

RISK MANAGEMENT  ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������  44
Baloise’s risk management constitutes one of the main pillars  
of its business model  ������������������������������������������������������������������������������  44

Sustainable business management
Human resources

Our highly skilled workforce has been providing our 
clients with peace of mind for the last 150 years.  

The Baloise Group’s HR activities are characterised – even in turbulent times – by a sense of 
continuity. The Company’s consistent refinement of the tools and methods available ensures 
that its employees can bring their full potential to bear.

KEY FIGURES

 → 8,613 people (7,805 FTEs) were working for the Baloise 
Group on 31 December 2013 (end of 2012: 8,795). 

 → 45.9 per cent of all staff members are women  

(2012: 45.3 per cent). 

 → The Baloise Group employs 200 (2012: 241) apprentices, 

trainees and interns.

velop and engage – yourself and others!”, “Act authentically and 
earn trust!” and “Put yourself in the other’s shoes!”� These val-
ues enable our employees to make the best possible use of their 
skills and expertise in their day-to-day work so that they can 
achieve our targets�

Given the prevailing labour market situation, competition 
for the best workers will remain intense� It is therefore equally 
as crucial to recruit new, highly qualified employees as it is to 
develop and retain the Company’s existing staff� 

 → 58.2 per cent of staff members working in our main market 
of Switzerland participated in our Employee Share Owner-
ship Plan in 2013 (2012: 58.8 per cent).

The Company’s HR strategy will enable it to maintain its 
strength in the competition for the right talent over the coming 
years�

 → Baloise invested CHF 10.7 million in staff training and 

development in 2013 (2012: CHF 11.2 million). 

 → Baloise employees work at the Company for an average of 

13.3 years. 

 → Staff turnover as at 31 December 2013 amounted to  

6.9 per cent (end of 2012: 5.2 per cent).

The key components of Baloise’s HR strategy are
 → to nurture an employee-focused corporate culture; 
 → to be the employer of choice in our sector; 
 → to be performance- and results-driven; 
 → to be a highly skilled, learning organisation; 
 → to possess outstanding leadership and management  

capabilities� 

EMPLOYER BRANDING AT BALOISE: MAINTAINING  

NEW HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES; STAFF CRITICAL TO OUR 

SUCCESS
Since 1 June 2013 the Baloise Group’s human resources (HR) 
activities have been headed up by Stephan Ragg, who is con-
tinuing the successful work done by Kurt Grois� As a former 
member of the Executive Committee of Corporate Division 
Switzerland, Stephan Ragg possesses in-depth knowledge of the 
Company and is already well acquainted with HR issues from 
the experience gained in his previous role; consequently, this 
change of personnel constituted a seamless transition�

A CONSTANT DIALOGUE
Acting in its capacity as an employer, Baloise continues to use 
social media as an effective tool for recruiting workers in em-
ployee-friendly labour markets and for retaining its own staff� 
This strategy enables the Company to enter into a dialogue with 
suitably talented individuals and to strengthen its brand as an 
employer� Baloise has remained true to its pioneering role in 
this field: its Employer Branding team has incorporated two 
new platforms – Pinterest and Google+ – into its portfolio in 
order to attract applicants to the Company� 

The Baloise Group’s HR activities continue to be based on 
the successful implementation of its behavioural values “De-

Its  existing  presence  on  Twitter,  LinkedIn,  Xing  and  
Facebook  has  also  been  further  enhanced  and  usefully  ex- 

38

Sustainable business management
Human resources

ploited� A particularly successful tool has proved to be Facebook, 
where the Company is followed by more than 10,000 people 
who are interested in insurance as a potential career� 

This dialogue-based strategy is also consistently pursued 
in the Company’s traditional HR marketing activities, and its 
offering at recruitment events has been optimised so that it can 
connect as effectively as possible with talented young people�

NURTURING YOUNG TALENT AT BALOISE: PLENT Y OF OPPOR-

TUNITIES TO DEVELOP AND GROW 
The Baloise Group’s national subsidiaries offer a number of at-
tractive training and apprenticeship opportunities for school-
leavers and students� These include internships, temporary jobs 
for students and vocational training and courses for those who 
have obtained their school-leaving certificate (Matura)� This 
system  provides  Baloise  with  a  constant  internal  supply  of 
highly skilled young professionals who, once they have success-
fully completed their training, can offer fresh ideas and creative 
input that will help to take the Company forward�

Another continuing success story is Baloise’s management 
trainee programme, which is highly popular with university 
graduates� The Company has no difficulty in persuading plenty 
of excellent candidates to apply for this scheme� Once they have 
completed  this  programme  these  management  trainees  are 
highly valued employees at the Company, with many of them 
embarking on careers that take them to the most senior mana-
gerial positions�

INTELLIGENT PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT: RESULTS AND 

PERFORMANCE ARE WHAT COUNTS AT BALOISE 
Baloise uses remuneration systems that enable it to provide 
performance-related and target-based pay packages� It offers 
basic salaries in line with market rates, variable remuneration 
schemes and attractive employee incentive and retention plans� 
Variable remuneration is based on both individual per-
formance and the success of the Company as a whole� Part of 
this remuneration is paid in the form of restricted shares, with 
the senior management team receiving some mandatory shares� 
This strengthens staff loyalty and aligns remuneration with the 
Company’s long-term performance�

The remuneration paid by the Baloise Group is determined by 
the following criteria:
 → Competitiveness in the marketplace
 → Individual performance and the Company’s success
 → Fairness and transparency
 → Sustainability� 

The performance management system introduced in 2011 
has proved to be a highly valuable tool and has been used suc-
cessfully ever since� The performance management system used 
in 2014 has been modified slightly and simplified for the mem-
bers of the Corporate Executive Committee so that it meets the 
requirements of the Swiss Ordinance Against Excessive Remu-
neration at Publicly Listed Companies (VegüV)�

TALENT MANAGEMENT: DEVELOPING STAFF FOR FUTURE 

SUCCESS 
The main aim of our integrated performance and talent man-
agement system is to strengthen our culture of performance 
and trust and to encourage continuous learning� This approach 
centres on regular dialogue between employees and their line 
managers in order to provide guidance and clarity about shared 
targets and objectives and about the employees’ strengths, ar-
eas of activity, and professional development� This dialogue 
forms part of the culture of continuous feedback at Baloise and 
encourages target-focused behaviour and the enhancement of 
skills within the organisation� 2013 saw the piloting of a refined 
approach that places employees even more firmly at the centre 
of this process� Because the pilot phase has proved to be such  
a success, this approach will be progressively rolled out across 
the entire organisation from 2014�

Succession planning for the whole of the Baloise Group 
forms part of this integrated performance and talent manage-
ment system and ensures that key positions are swiftly filled 
and that long-term succession options are available� 

BALOISE CAMPUS: CUSTOMISED EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT
The Company’s anniversary year was also the year that witnessed 
the birth of the Baloise Campus, which is where the Baloise 
Group’s executive development activities take place� 129 em-
ployees of various seniority levels took part in its development 

39

Sustainable business management
Human resources

programmes in its first year� All Baloise Campus programmes 
teach a mixture of business expertise, leadership skills and cor-
porate culture� The programme draws on top executives from 
within the Company as speakers and offers support from ex-
ternal coaches, which provides participants with an attractive 
forum for networking and personal development� 

A further programme will be added to the Baloise Cam-
pus syllabus in 2014� The Top Leaders Convention will provide 
an opportunity for senior managers to work on relevant devel-
opment issues within the Company� Furthermore, the Baloise 
Campus will be expanded to include new Group-wide and local 
modules to meet requirements at a variety of levels� 

In addition to the Baloise Campus programmes, “extend-
ed knowledge conferences” were held at the Company’s sites in 
Basel, Hamburg, Antwerp and Brussels� These events were lec-
ture and discussion forums at which Baloise employees had the 
opportunity to talk to experts about the strategic challenges of 
the future� 

BALOISE’S 8,613 EMPLOYEES IN 2013 BY COUNTRY

  Switzerland  

  Germany  

  Belgium 

  Croatia and Serbia 

  Luxembourg  

  Austria 

  Other 

Per cent 

Employees

43.5 

26.4 

15.8 

8.1 

3.6 

2.5 

0.0 

3,746

2,274

1,362

694

314

219

4

BALOISE INTERNATIONAL: GROUP-WIDE LEARNING –  

EXPLOITING SYNERGIES 
In addition to the individual Group companies’ regional HR 
activities, which are determined by country-specific business 
requirements and the applicable legal framework, the Baloise 
Group is also increasingly working on HR issues that span the 
entire organisation� 

40

The HR Community set up specifically for this purpose com-
prises  the  HR  heads  from  the  national  subsidiaries  and  the 
competence centre heads from Group HR and uses this platform 
as a forum for discussing strategic matters� This approach nur-
tures a culture of best practice that enables all Group companies 
to transfer successful strategies and tools to their own markets�
As part of the restructuring being carried out in Ger-
many, a project addressing the issue of process optimisation in 
HR was launched and a few processes have already been rede-
signed more efficiently� The findings gained from this project 
and the results achieved will also enable other companies to 
optimise their own processes� Some of the other topics being 
addressed in the form of projects conducted in individual coun-
tries are internal mobility in Luxembourg, burn-out prevention 
in Austria and managerial feedback in Switzerland� These pro-
jects – together with Group-wide issues such as talent manage-
ment, diversity, IT harmonisation and Baloise’s brand as an 
employer – form an integral part of the HR Roadmap, which 
outlines the focal themes of the Baloise Group’s HR activities 
over the coming years�

DIVERSIT Y UNDERPINS OUR SUCCESS 
Baloise recognises that a diversified workforce is crucial to its 
success and therefore continues to strongly encourage this trend� 
Women account for 45�9 per cent of its total employees and  
22�3 per cent of its management team� The Company develops 
and promotes its staff on the basis of their performance, their 
potential and Baloise’s corporate values� 

The Company achieved further success in the field of cor-
porate health management when the Basler Insurance compa-
nies in Switzerland were once again officially designated “friend-
ly work spaces” in 2013� By receiving excellent ratings across 
all criteria, the Company comfortably exceeded the legal re-
quirements and underscored its commitment to creating a work-
ing environment in which its staff are happy, stay healthy and, 
consequently, can deliver an excellent performance� 

Tips on how to lead a healthy lifestyle both at work and 
at home are provided in the form of seminars, workshops, in-
formation events and other initiatives� Flexible and part-time 
working, as well as the “Bal4Kids” crèche in Basel, have been 

 
Sustainable business management
Human resources

available for a number of years now in addition to our corporate 
health management scheme� Through these measures, we are 
honouring our “Making you safer�” brand promise to our own 
employees as well�

EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATION IN THE BALOISE GROUP
Baloise respects the right of all workers to join and participate 
in employees’ representative bodies� All members of the work-
force are represented by staff committees, works councils or 
other employee bodies and organisations�

The annual European Forum held in 2013 once again pro-
vided an opportunity for employee representative delegates from 
the various Baloise companies to meet and talk to representatives 
of the Corporate Executive Committee in a spirit of encourag-
ing and deepening transnational dialogue� This event ensures 
that the Baloise Group’s business runs smoothly and harmoni-
ously, while giving due consideration to all the stakeholders 
involved� 

BALOISE GROUP HUMAN RESOURCES ON THE INTERNET 
Careers website page and job vacancies: 
www.baloise.com/careers  

Careers blog:
www.baloisejobs.com 

Baloise Group Human Resources on social media:
Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, Xing, YouTube  
and Pinterest
www.baloisejobs.com/socialmedia 

41

 
Sustainable business management
Ecology

Protecting the environment over the long term

As a signatory to the UNEP declaration* for the insurance industry, Baloise is committed –  
among other things – to constantly reducing its carbon footprint. In 2013, further major  
measures were put in place to achieve this goal.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AT COMPUTER CENTRES
The Baloise Group has achieved lasting reductions in energy 
consumption at its computer centres in Switzerland� Side and 
ceiling panels have been added to the open racks housing the 
servers� This separates the cold and warm air zones, thereby 
sharply reducing the amount of air that needs to be cooled�  
In addition, the refrigeration and ventilation systems have been 
upgraded�  This  cut  the  energy  consumption  of  the  cooling,  
ventilation and humidification systems used at our computer 
centres by more than 979,000 kWh per year – or 53 per cent – in 
2013�  This  represents  roughly  9  per  cent  of  the  power  used  
by our Group headquarters, which has over 2,000 workstations 
and  includes  central  facilities  such  as  the  staff  restaurant,  
auditorium and computer centres�

SUSTAINABLE PLANNING OF REAL ESTATE
Baloise plans to replace three buildings (one hotel and two office 
blocks) at its headquarters in Basel with new builds� The three 
dimensions of sustainability (environmental, economic and 
social factors) are the key values that inform the project devel-
opment, construction and subsequent use of this real estate� 
Since its inception, this project has been supported by sustain-
ability specialists and meets the relevant criteria of the standards 
for sustainable construction in Switzerland (SNBS)� 

CUTTING CO2 EMISSIONS BY TAKING THE TRAIN
Baloise employees use the train for business travel whenever pos-
sible� Train tickets for domestic and international travel are ordered 
in Switzerland from the SBB Businesstravel portal run by the 
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and are printed out at the workplace� 
This obviates the need for staff to queue for tickets at the train 
station and submit claims for expenses� As part of its service, 
SBB evaluates the train journeys made by Baloise employees and 

assesses them in terms of their carbon footprint� Basler Switzer-
land staff travelled 2,371,057 passenger kilometres by train on 
business in 2013� This represented a saving of 167,248 litres of 
fuel and 469 tonnes of CO2, which is roughly equal to the carbon 
emitted by 187 energy-efficient (“Minergie”) houses in one year� 

ADDING VALUE WITH BALOISE’S NEW WORKPLACE CONCEPTS 
The new workplace concepts being examined by the Baloise 
Group offer sufficient project spaces and workplaces in pleasant 
surroundings where people can work in peace and quiet while 
having enough room for communication and teamwork� Basler 
Switzerland will be testing its new open-space workplace concept 
in the spring of 2014� Under this concept, workplaces are no 
longer permanently assigned to specific employees, which fa-
cilitates much more efficient use of office space and therefore 
lowers both energy consumption and occupancy costs�  

LEARNING FROM THE BEST HELPS TO SAVE ENERGY AND CUT 

COSTS
Basler Switzerland provides financial support for the recently 
established “environmental platform”, a public-private partner-
ship with firms in the Basel region� This “environmental platform” 
presents both planned and implemented energy-saving projects, 
encourages dialogue between interested companies and, con-
sequently, helps combat climate change and promote sustain-
able development� 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AT BALOISE 
The total amount of energy and resources used corresponds to 
the aggregate consumption by the Baloise Group’s large office 
buildings and its computer centres in Switzerland� The figures 

* UNEP = United Nations Environment Programme.

42

Sustainable business management
Ecology

ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT

Employees

Energy reference area

Locations

Electricity consumption

Heating consumption

Water consumption

Paper consumption

Paper types

Copy paper consumption

Amount of refuse

Types of refuse

Business travel

Mode of transport

2011 absolute

2012 absolute

2013 absolute

Relative Unit

4,800

140,997

13

4,975

141,578

12

5,315

141,032

13

headcount

ERA m2

number of buildings

22,859,388 KWh

23,312,615 KWh

20,712,643 KWh

3,897 kWh / employee

12,110,484 KWh

13,856,250 KWh

11,513,544 KWh

82 kWh / m2

61,968 m3

58,113 m3

53,769 m3

41 l/employee / day

684 t

822 t

510 t

96 kg / employee

2.0 % recycled

77.0 % chlorine-free-

bleached

21.0 % chlorine-bleached

91.2 million A4 
sheets

81.9 million A4 
sheets

71.9 million A4 
sheets

14,437 A4 sheets /  

employee

928 t

909 t

1,241 t

234 kg / employee

+/– %

6.8

– 0.4

1

– 11.2

– 16.9

– 7.5

– 38.0

– 12.2

36.5

55.0 % paper / cardboard

5.0 % other materials

1.0 % special waste

39.0 % misc. waste / refuse

18.32 million km

21.82 million km

21.26 million km

4,000 km / employee

– 2.6

30.3 % km by air

36.6 % km by road

33.1 % km by public 

transport

CO2 emissions

16,591 t

17,855 t

16,020 t

3,014 kg / employee

– 10.3

reported relate to the energy and resources used by 61�7 per cent 
of the 8,613 people working for the Baloise Group� By making 
adjustments at our operating sites, we drastically cut the amount 
of heating that we used for a similar energy reference area� The 
merger of sites at the Belgian subsidiary and the huge energy 
efficiencies achieved at the computer centres in Switzerland 
caused power consumption to fall sharply: electricity use declined 
by 11�2 per cent overall� We therefore exceeded our target of 
cutting our electricity consumption by between 2 per cent and 
3 per cent each year from 2004 to 2013� Over the next five years 

we  plan  to  introduce  specific  measures  to  cut  our  annual  
power consumption per employee by a further 1 per cent to  
2 per cent� As a responsible corporate citizen we are both obliged 
and motivated to use resources efficiently in the face of climate 
change and rising energy costs� 

www.baloise.com/sustainability 
→  Ecology / environmental mission statement 
→  Ecology / environmental audit 
→  Risk management 

43

Sustainable business management
Risk management

Baloise’s risk management constitutes one of the 
main pillars of its business model

Forming an integral part of our strategic management policies, risk management makes a 
significant contribution to the positioning of the Baloise Group. As a European insurer with 
Swiss roots, we possess a strong balance sheet and a high degree of operating earnings  
power, which we have optimised in terms of the risks that we take and the upside potential  
that we derive from our business. 

Baloise’s risk management approach involves managing both 
risk and value at the same time� Because our risk model is based 
on innovative standards, we can always keep our promise of 
“Making you safer”�

The Company’s enterprise risk management was once again 
awarded Standard & Poor’s excellent “strong” rating in 2013� 
This puts us among the top 15 per cent of all European insur-
ance companies� 

Our  risk  management  is  a  standardised  strategic  and  
operational system that is applied throughout the Baloise Group 
and covers the following areas:
 → Risk map: this forms the backbone of our risk strategy 
and defines the fundamental risk issues, such as our  
actuarial and market risk as well as the operational risk 
arising from our business activities� 

 → Risk governance and risk culture: this involves encourag-
ing risk awareness – how people perceive and respond to 
risk – and establishing this mindset throughout the 
organisation�

 → Risk measurement: this is used to identify, quantify and 
model the risks inherent in all financial and business  
processes�

 → Risk processes: the organisation of risk and its pertinent 

standards are key aspects of risk management and operate 
in tandem with reporting, management and evaluation 
processes�

 → Strategic risk management: its purpose is to optimise the 
risks taken by the Baloise Group while maximising its 
earnings potential�

RISK MAP
The risk map distinguishes between the following categories of 
risk to which Baloise is exposed:
 → Actuarial risk
 → Market risk
 → Financial-structure risk
 → Business-environment risk
 → Operational risk
 → Strategic & information risk�
A detailed description of these risks can be found in the Finan-
cial Report section on page 126�

The risk map is firmly embedded in the organisational 
structure and responsibilities of the entire Baloise Group� Each 
risk is assigned to a risk owner (with overall responsibility) and 
to a separate risk controller (responsible for risk management 
and control)� 

RISK GOVERNANCE AND RISK CULTURE
The development and expansion of risk governance and risk 
culture has a long tradition at Baloise� We are constantly work-
ing to enhance this culture across the entire organisation� Des-
ignated risk owners and risk controllers dealing with specific 
risk issues are as much a part of this culture as committees that 
meet regularly to discuss risks� At the same time, our risk mod-
els and processes are continually refined� The internal control 
system (ICS) and the compliance function are further major 
planks of this strategy�

The most senior decision-making body in Baloise’s risk 
organisation is the Board of Directors of Bâloise Holding Ltd, 
while ultimate responsibility for risk control lies with the Board 
of Directors’ Audit and Risk Committee� The Chief Risk Of-
ficer for the Baloise Group reports regularly to both of these 
bodies and is partly personally responsible for risk-related issues� 

44

 
Sustainable business management
Risk management

The Board of Directors is empowered to determine the risk 
strategy, which is derived from Baloise’s business strategy and 
objectives  and  addresses  issues  around  the  Company’s  risk 
 appetite and risk tolerance�

The Group Risk Committee and the local risk committees 
in each business unit – which comprise members of the Cor-
porate Executive Committee and of the local senior management 
teams respectively – decide how the risk strategy is developed 
and designed and how the pertinent policies are implemented 
in day-to-day business� Bodies specially set up to examine spe-
cific risk areas such as asset/liability management, compliance, 
IT risk and the use of reserves also compile submissions for the 
committees to facilitate their decision-making on these issues� 
The Group Risk Management team works closely with the local 
risk experts to complete the picture� This inclusive risk organ-
isation approach provides us with a platform for sharing and 
constantly refining best practice�

Group Risk Management is responsible for 

 → developing consistent, mandatory risk models for the 

entire Baloise Group,

 → monitoring Group-wide standards,
 → reporting risks,
 → complying with risk processes and procedures, and
 → communicating with external partners such as auditors, 
corporate supervisory bodies and credit rating agencies�
The business units are responsible for local implementation of 
the standards and requirements specified by the Baloise Group� 
Overall responsibility lies with the Baloise Group’s Chief Fi-
nancial Officer, followed by its Chief Risk Officer� 

RISK MEASUREMENT
Our risk model standardises the process of quantifying our 
business risks and financial market risks across all strategic 
business units� It is consistent with the principles and calcula-
tion methods applied by the Swiss Solvency Test and with the 
European Union’s Solvency II directives� As a ground-breaking 
risk management tool, it provides a firm foundation on which 
management can make strategic and operational decisions�

The economic risk capital derived from Baloise’s models 
is currently the most advanced market standard� To this end, 

risk measurement metrics alone are used to calculate a target 
capital figure – irrespective of any financial accounting treat-
ment or regulatory capital requirements under Solvency I – to 
ensure that the Company remains solvent even in adverse cir-
cumstances and can meet its obligations to policyholders at all 
times� We constantly compare this target capital figure with the 
capital currently available (the “actual” capital)�

In addition to this holistic risk model we use the risk map 
to identify, describe and evaluate specific risks in terms of their 
likely impact on our operating profit or loss� Our corporate 
database of specific risks – which contains a detailed description 
of the risks concerned, their classification on the risk map, and 
early-warning indicators – is generated from this standardised 
process� We use quantitative methods to supplement this de-
scription by measuring these risks’ probable financial impact 
on the Company’s balance sheet� Each risk is documented to-
gether with the measures needed to mitigate it� The database is 
updated every six months�

This combination of a holistic risk model with analysis of 
specific risks ensures that Baloise maintains an adequate over-
view of the prevailing risk situation at all times� 

RISK PROCESSES
Group-wide risk management standards place the risk process 
on a mandatory footing� These rules stipulate methods, rules 
and limits that must be applied throughout the Baloise Group� 
These  standards  determine  how  the  various  risk  issues  are 
evaluated, managed and reported� A number of risk limits act 
as early-warning indicators to mitigate the risks taken� 

The Baloise Group uses a system of limits based on eco-
nomic risk capital in order to mitigate its risks holistically at an 
aggregate level� This system tracks the risk capital held by the 
Baloise Group and individual business units in real time� We 
also monitor issue-specific risks individually by imposing lim-
its, as illustrated by the following examples:
 → Actuarial risk is determined by underwriting guidelines 
on which local underwriters base their decisions� Risk 
metrics analysis of the deductibles payable supplements 
the Company’s key reinsurance strategies�

45

Sustainable business management
Risk management

 → We use appropriate reporting procedures to monitor mar-
ket risk and financial-structure risk across all our invest-
ment units� In addition to upper limits on equity expo-
sures, for example, there are clear and binding guidelines 
on bond ratings� The applicable “Basel” approach and 
advanced statistical methods are used to assess credit 
risk� In addition, we use our risk analysis to monitor the 
overall solvency position once a month�

 → We capture business-environment risk, operational risk 
and strategic risk on both a standardised and individual 
basis, and we assess them in terms of their impact on our 
capital� 

Comprehensive semi-annual risk reports are discussed with the 
relevant decision-makers so that the necessary measures can 
be devised� Reports submitted to regulatory authorities complete 
the picture� In addition, risk managers’ assessment of the risk 
situation is factored into the remuneration paid to executives� 
The three criteria used to determine the performance pool pay-
ments awarded to individuals are the achievements, leadership 
and conduct of the manager concerned� The individual perfor-
mance pool payment proposed by the respective line manager 
is discussed by the relevant management team, compared with 
other departments and divisions, and adjusted where necessary� 
This process ensures that risk-relevant behavioural attributes 
are factored into the performance pool payments awarded to 
individuals� 

agement system� These targets form part of the overall objectives 
agreed with local management teams�

OUR PROFESSIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT DEMONSTRATED ITS 

PROVEN STRENGTHS IN 2013
Baloise’s risk strategy principles are designed for the long term, 
as shown by the Company’s excellent risk positioning in 2013� 
Proof positive of this situation was the Baloise Group’s solven-
cy ratio, which remained very high at 267 per cent and bears 
testimony to its financial strength� 

2013 was a year when tried-and-tested underwriting ap-

proaches continued to be refined:
 → The Baloise Group’s investment strategy continues to 

focus on diversification and on the basic principle of only 
investing in assets that we ourselves can fully and accu-
rately evaluate� 

 → We continued to actively manage our credit risk and cur-
rency risk, making further progress especially in measur-
ing and monitoring the risks attaching to countries and 
counterparties�

 → With a net equity exposure that had risen to 6�3 per cent 
by 31 December 2013, our equity investments in the 
reporting year lay comfortably within our risk-bearing 
capacity�

 → The high quality of recurrent investment income gener-

ated by our stable real-estate portfolio proved to be a val-
uable source of revenue� 

STRATEGIC RISK MANAGEMENT
Our internal risk model, which uses standard methods to quan-
tify all our business risks and financial market risks, forms the 
basis for strategic discussions about Baloise’s risk appetite� The 
capital requirements derived from this model constitute mini-
mum requirements for our “actual” capital� 

This process provides a 360-degree view of our key stra-
tegic risks and how they are managed� Our strategic risk man-
agement offers the clear prospect of penetrating new business 
lines  and  optimising  the  risk/return  profile  of  our  existing 
business� 

Profit targets for individual business units that factor in 
their specific risk situation are a major aspect of this risk man-

 → Much of our focus is directed at managing our interest-
rate risk� Wherever possible, we reconcile our payment 
obligations to customers for future years with the income 
earned from our investments� The high quality of recur-
rent investment income generated by our stable real-estate 
portfolio has proved very helpful in this respect� We also 
invest in safe long-term bonds denominated in either 
Swiss francs or euros and supplement this strategy by 
using derivative financial instruments such as swaptions�
 → Our underwriting business has proved to be highly con-
sistent, with the Baloise Group’s net combined ratio of 
94�9 per cent demonstrating our excellent capabilities in 
underwriting and managing non-life risk�

46

Sustainable business management
Risk management

Our risk management will continue to evolve over the coming 
years, reaffirming Baloise’s standing as a company with an out-
standing risk strategy and risk positioning�

Further information on risk management can be found 
in the 2013 Financial Report (section 5� “Management of insur-
ance risk and financial risk” on pages 124 to 162)�

47

4  Baloise
18 Review of operating performance
38  Sustainable Business Management 
50  Corporate Governance
90  Financial Report 
244  Bâloise Holding Ltd
258  Notes

E
C
N
A
N
R
E
V
O
 G
E
T
A
R
O
P
R
O
C

Corporate 
 Governance

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 
INCLUDING REMUNERATION REPORT  ���������������������������������������������  50
Structure of the Baloise Group and shareholder base ������������  50
Capital structure  �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������  51
Board of Directors  ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������  52
Corporate Executive Committee  �����������������������������������������������������  59
Remuneration Report  ���������������������������������������������������������������������������  63
Shareholder participation rights  ������������������������������������������������������  84
Changes of control and poison-pill measures  ���������������������������  85
External auditors  �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������  85 
Significant amendments to the Articles of Association 
submitted to the 2014 Annual General Meeting  ����������������������  86
Information policy  ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������  86

 
Corporate Governance
Corporate Governance Report  
including Remuneration Report

Transparent corporate governance

As a company that adds value, Baloise has always attached great importance to practising 
sound, responsible corporate governance and continues this tradition today. 

Operating in line with the Swiss Code of Best Practice and the 
SIX Corporate Governance Guidelines, Baloise strives to foster 
a corporate culture of high ethical standards that emphasises 
the integrity of the Company and its employees� Baloise is con-
vinced that high-quality corporate governance has a positive 
impact on its long-term performance� 

This chapter reflects the structure of the SIX Corporate 
Governance Guidelines as amended on 29 October 2008 in or-
der to enhance transparency and, consequently, improve com-
parability with previous years and other companies� It includes 
economiesuisse’s Swiss Code of Best Practice for Corporate 
Governance and, in particular, Appendix 1 to the latter, which 
was published in 2007 and contains recommendations on re-
muneration� Baloise publishes its own remuneration report as 
item 5 of its Corporate Governance Report, which meets the 
criteria specified in circular 2010/1 of the Swiss Financial Mar-
ket Supervisory Authority (FINMA)�

1. STRUCTURE OF THE BALOISE GROUP AND  

SHAREHOLDER BASE 

Structure of the Baloise Group
Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Bâloise Holding is a pub-
lic limited holding company that is incorporated under Swiss 
law and listed on the Swiss Exchange (SIX)� The Baloise Group 
had a market capitalisation of CHF 5,680 million as at 31 De-
cember 2013� 
 → Information on Baloise shares can be found from page 8 

onwards�

 → Significant subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates as at 
31 December 2013 can be found from page 236 onwards in 
the notes to the consolidated annual financial statements, 
which form part of the Financial Report� 

 → Segment reporting by region and operating segment can 
be found from page 165 onwards in the notes to the con-
solidated annual financial statements within the Financial 
Report section� 

 → The Baloise Group’s operational management structure is 

presented on page 62�

Shareholder base
As a public company with a broad shareholder base, Bâloise 
Holding is a member of the SMI Mid (SMIM) Index and the 
Swiss Leader Index (SLI)� 

Shareholder structure
A  total  of  20,760  shareholders  were  registered  in  Bâloise  
Holding’s share register as at 31 December 2013� The number 
of registered shareholders had risen by 2�3 per cent compared 
with the previous year� The “Significant shareholders” section 
on page 251 provides information on the structure of the Com-
pany’s shareholder base as at 31 December 2013�

The reports that were submitted to the issuer and to SIX 
Swiss Exchange AG’s disclosure office and were published on 
the latter’s electronic publication platform during the reporting 
year in compliance with section 20 of the Swiss Federal Act on 
Stock Exchanges and Securities Trading (BEHG) can be viewed 
using the search function at http://www�six-exchange-regulation�
com/obligations/disclosure/major_shareholders_de�html�

Treasury shares
Bâloise Holding held 2,201,528 treasury shares (4�4 per cent) as 
at 31 December 2013� 

Cross-shareholdings
There are no cross-shareholdings based on either capital owner- 
ship or voting rights�

50

 
Corporate Governance
Corporate Governance Report  
including Remuneration Report

2. CAPITAL STRUCTURE

Dividend policy
Bâloise Holding pursues a policy of paying consistent, earnings-
related dividends� It uses other dividend instruments such as 
share buy-backs and options to supplement conventional cash 
dividends� Shareholders have received a total of CHF 1,260�8 
million from cash dividends and share buy-backs over the last 
five years� Baloise has therefore had a combined annual payout 
rate of between 30 per cent and 50 per cent in recent years�

Year (CHF million)

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Total 

Cash dividends

Share buy-backs

Total

225.0

225.0

225.0

225.0

237.5

71.5

34.7

17.1

–

–

296.5

259.7

242.1

225.0

237.5

1,137.5

123.3

1,260.8

All figures stated as at 31 December.

Bâloise Holding’s equity
The table below shows the changes in equity during the last 
three reporting years�

CHANGES IN BÂLOISE HOLDING'S EQUIT Y  
(BEFORE APPROPRIATION OF PROFIT)

2011

2012

2013

5.0

11.7

182.3

247.4

194.9

641.3

5.0

11.7

173.9

224.9

244.1

659.6

5.0

11.7

176.3

240.7

56.3

490.1

CHF million

Share capital

General reserve

Reserve for 
treasury shares

Other reserves

Distributable 
profit

Equity attribut-
able to Bâloise 
Holding

All figures stated as at 31 December.

The share capital of Bâloise Holding has totalled CHF 5�0 million 
since 29 April 2008 and is divided into 50,000,000 dividend-
bearing registered shares with a par value of CHF 0�10 each�

Authorised and conditional capital;  

other financing instruments

Authorised capital
The Annual General Meeting voted on 2 May 2013 to extend 
until 2 May 2015 the resolution adopted on 29 April 2011 au-
thorising the Board of Directors to increase the Company’s share 
capital by up to CHF 500,000 by issuing up to 5,000,000 fully 
paid-up registered shares with a par value of CHF 0�10 each� 
Section 3 (4) of the Articles of Association was amended ac-
cordingly in 2013� 
www.baloise.com  →  Responsibility   
→  Corporate Governance  →  Rules and regulations

Conditional capital
The 2004 Annual General Meeting (section 3 of the Articles of 
Association) created conditional capital� This capital enables 
the Company’s share capital to be increased by up to 5,530,715 
registered shares with a par value of CHF 0�10 each� This con-
stitutes a nominal share capital increase of up to CHF 553,071�50� 
Conditional capital is used to cover any option rights or 
conversion rights granted in conjunction with bonds and sim-
ilar securities� Shareholders’ pre-emption rights are disapplied� 
Holders of the pertinent option rights and conversion rights are 
entitled to subscribe for the new registered shares� The Board 
of Directors may restrict or disapply shareholders’ pre-emption 
rights when issuing warrant-linked bonds or convertible bonds 
in international capital markets� Further information on the 
structure and composition of conditional capital can be found 
in section 3 of Bâloise Holding’s Articles of Association�
www.baloise.com  →  Responsibility   
→  Corporate Governance  →  Rules and regulations

Other equity instruments
The Company has no profit-participation certificates�

51

Corporate Governance
Corporate Governance Report  
including Remuneration Report

The Baloise Group’s consolidated equity
The Baloise Group’s consolidated equity amounted to CHF 4,906�4 
million on 31 December 2013� Details of changes in consoli-
dated equity in 2012 and 2013 can be found in the consolidated 
statement of changes in equity on pages 96 and 97 in the Finan-
cial Report section� All pertinent details relating to 2011 can be 
found in the consolidated statement of changes in equity on page 
92 in the Financial Report section of the 2012 Annual Report�

Bonds outstanding
Bâloise Holding and one other Baloise Group company have 
issued bonds publicly� A total of nine public bonds issued by 
Bâloise Holding and one other Baloise Group company were 
outstanding at the end of 2013� Details of outstanding bonds of 
Bâloise Holding can be found on pages 213 and 249 and on the 
internet� 
www.baloise.com  →  Investor relations  →  Bonds

Credit rating
Credit  rating  agency  Standard  &  Poor’s  continues  to  rate  
the financial strength of Baloise Insurance Ltd as “A–” with  
a positive outlook� This assessment reflects the Baloise Group’s 
strong capitalisation, good operating earnings power, robust 
competitive position and considerable financial flexibility� Group-
wide risk management is rated as “strong”�
www.baloise.com  →  Investor relations  →  Rating

3. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Election and term of appointment
The Board of Directors consisted of nine members at the end 
of 2013� Until now, each member has been elected for a term of 
three years at a time� Roughly one-third of members stepped 
down each year unless they were re-elected (“staggered replace-
ment”)� Because of the Ordinance Against Excessive Remu-
neration at Publicly Listed Companies (VegüV), which came 
into effect on 1 January 2014, each member of the Board of 
Directors is to be elected for a term of one year at a time from 
the 2014 Annual General Meeting� The necessary changes to 
the Articles of Association will be included on the agenda for 
the 2014 Annual General Meeting�

The average age on the Board of Directors is currently 61� Each 
member of the Board of Directors is elected individually�

Members of the Board of Directors
All members of the Board of Directors – including the Chair-
man – are non-executives� They were not involved in the day-
to-day management of any Baloise Group companies in any of 
the three financial years immediately preceding the reporting 
period, and they maintain no material business relationships 
with the Baloise Group�

During  the  reporting  period  Dr  Georg  F�  Krayer,  Dr  
Michael Becker and Werner Kummer were re-elected for a three-
year term� Dr Hansjörg Frei stepped down from the Board of 
Directors at the 2013 Annual General Meeting (AGM)� Karin 
Keller-Sutter was newly elected for a two-year term (replacement 
for Dr Frei before his term of office had ended)�

The terms of appointment of the directors Dr Andreas 
Beerli, Dr Georges-Antoine de Boccard and Dr Eveline Saupper 
will expire at the forthcoming 2014 AGM� Because of the switch 
to a one-year term in accordance with the VegüV, all members 
of  the  Board  of  Directors  will  have  to  stand  for  re-election  
at the 2014 AGM, irrespective of their previous term of ap-
pointment, unless they are stepping down from the Board of 
Directors� All members of the Board of Directors will stand for 
re-election except Dr Georg F� Krayer, who will step down as a 
director at the 2014 AGM� Dr Krayer has been on the Board of 
Directors since 1995, has been Vice-Chairman since 2004 and 
was Chairman of the Remuneration Committee between 2003 
and 2012� He has made an outstanding contribution to both 
Bâloise Holding and the Baloise Group� The 2014 AGM will be 
asked to elect Christoph B� Gloor as a new member of the Board 
of Directors� 

Christoph B� Gloor (1966, Switzerland) holds a univer-
sity degree in finance and investment and since 1 January 2006 
has been a general partner in Basel-based private bank La Roche 
1787, where he is responsible for finance and IT and is actively 
involved in advising and supporting clients� Prior to joining La 
Roche 1787 on 1 December 1998, he worked for Swiss Bank 
Corporation (SBC) before moving to Vitra (International)� Since 
2014 he has chaired the Association of Swiss Private Banks and 

52

Corporate Governance
Corporate Governance Report  
including Remuneration Report

since  September  2013  he  has  sat  on  the  Board  of  Directors  
of  the  Swiss  Bankers  Association�  Further  information  on  
the members of the Board of Directors can be found on the 
internet�

www.baloise.com  →  About us  →  Organisation 
  →  Board of Directors

MEMBERS 

Dr Andreas Burckhardt, Chairman, 
Basel 

Dr Georg F. Krayer, Vice-Chairman, 
Basel

Dr Michael Becker, Darmstadt

Dr Andreas Beerli, Oberwil-Lieli

Dr Georges-Antoine de Boccard, 
Conches

Karin Keller-Sutter, Wil

Werner Kummer, Küsnacht 

Thomas Pleines, Munich

Dr Eveline Saupper, Zurich 

Chairman’s  
Committee

Audit  
Committee

Remuneration  
Committee

Investment  
Committee

Nationality

Born in

Appointed in

C

VC

M

M

C

DC

M

M

CH 

CH 

D 

CH 

CH 

CH 

CH 

D 

CH 

1951

1999

1943

1995

1948

1951

1951

1963

1947

1955

1958

2010

2011

2011

2013

2000

2012

1999

DC

M

C

M

M

M

DC

C

C: Chairman, VC: Vice-Chairman, C: Chair, DC: Deputy Chair, M: Member.

BOARD AT TENDANCE IN 2013: MEETINGS OF THE FULL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr Andreas Burckhardt, Chairman 

Dr Georg F. Krayer, Vice-Chairman

Dr Michael Becker

Dr Andreas Beerli

Dr Georges-Antoine de Boccard

Dr Hansjörg Frei 

Karin Keller-Sutter

Werner Kummer 

Thomas Pleines

Dr Eveline Saupper 

x = present, 0 = absent, n / a = not applicable.

13.3.2013

2.5.2013

20.6.2013

27.8.2013

11.12.2013

12.12.2013

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

x

x

x

x

x

x

0

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

53

Andreas Burckhardt, Chairman

Georg F. Krayer, Vice-Chairman

Michael Becker

Andreas Beerli

Georges-Antoine de Boccard

Karin Keller-Sutter

Werner Kummer

Thomas Pleines

Eveline Saupper

Corporate Governance
Corporate Governance Report  
including Remuneration Report

Andreas Burckhardt (1951, Switzerland, Dr iur�) has been a mem-
ber of the Board of Directors since 1999 and its Chairman since 
29 April 2011� He studied jurisprudence at the universities of 
Basel and Geneva� He worked for Fides Treuhandgesellschaft 
from 1982 to 1987 and served as Secretary General of the Baloise 
Group from 1988 to 1994� He was director of the Basel Cham-
ber of Commerce from 1994 to April 2011� In this role he sat on 
various  governing  bodies  of  national  and  regional  business 
organisations� From 1981 to 2011 he performed political func-
tions in Basel City, and from 1997 to 2011 he served on the Great 
Council of the Canton of Basel City (as Chairman in 2006 and 
2007)� He sits on the Board of Directors of Carl Spaeter AG�  
Dr Burckhardt is a non-executive director�

Georg F. Krayer (1943, Switzerland, Dr iur�) has been a member 
of the Board of Directors since 1995 and its Vice-Chairman 
since 2004� He also acted as Lead Director from 6 December 
2007 to 31 December 2008� He studied jurisprudence� He is 
Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors at Bank Sarasin 
& Cie AG, Basel, and was Chairman of the Swiss Bankers As-
sociation until 2003� He sits on the Boards of Directors of Rhe-
nus Alpina AG, Welinvest AG and Haco Holding AG and chairs 
the Board of Directors at Beyeler Museum AG� Dr Krayer is an 
independent non-executive director�

Michael Becker (1948, Germany, Dr iur�) has been a member of 
the Board of Directors since 2010� He studied law in Hamburg 
and Tübingen and became Head of Accounting and Finance at 
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, in 1998� He was an executive director 
and general partner at the publicly listed company Merck KGaA 
from 2000 until the end of 2011, and he was an executive direc-
tor and general partner at E� Merck KG, Darmstadt, which holds 
70 per cent of the share capital in Merck  KGaA, from  2002 
until the end of 2011� He also sits on the Supervisory Board at 
Symrise AG, Germany� Dr Becker is an independent non-exec-
utive director�

Andreas Beerli (1951, Switzerland, Dr iur�) has been a member 
of the Board of Directors since 2011� He studied law at the Uni-
versity of Basel� In 1979 he started working as an underwriter 

for the German market at Swiss Re� From 1985 to 1993 he per-
formed various managerial roles at Baloise, with the main focus 
on supervising and supporting several foreign units� He then 
returned to Swiss Re, where he became a member of the Group 
Executive Committee in 2000, first in the United States as Head 
of Swiss Re Americas and, most recently, in Zurich as Chief 
Operating Officer for the entire Swiss Re Group� Since 2009 he 
has acted as an independent adviser on the Boards of Directors 
and Advisory Boards of companies and professional associa-
tions� He is a member of the Board of Directors at Ironshore 
Europe Inc�, Dublin; a member of the Advisory Board of Ac-
centure Schweiz, and Chairman of the Swiss Advisory Council 
of the American Swiss Foundation� Dr Beerli is an independent 
non-executive director�

Georges-Antoine de Boccard (1951, Switzerland, Dr med�) has 
been a member of the Board of Directors since 2011� He studied 
medicine at the University of Geneva� He has been running his 
own urological surgery practice in Geneva since 1987� He is 
Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors at Citadel Finance SA 
and was Chairman of the Swiss Association of Urology from 
2005 to 2006� He is a member of the Swiss Association of Urol-
ogy, the European Association of Urology and other profes-
sional bodies and associations and sits on the Boards of Direc-
tors of various foundations� Dr de Boccard is an independent 
non-executive director�

Karin Keller-Sutter (1963, Switzerland) holds a university degree 
in translation and conference interpreting and has a postgrad-
uate  qualification  in  education�  In  1996  she  was  elected  to  
St� Gallen’s cantonal parliament and became Chairwoman of 
the FDP (the Swiss Liberal Party) for the canton of St�Gallen 
before being elected to St� Gallen’s cantonal governing council 
in 2000� She was in charge of the security and justice depart-
ment until May 2012 and chaired the Governing Council in 
2006/2007 and again in 2011/2012� She was elected to the Coun-
cil of States – the upper chamber of the Swiss parliament – in 
the autumn of  2011� Ms� Keller-Sutter sits on the Boards of  
Directors at the NZZ media group and Pensimo Fondsleitung 
AG� She is also a member of the Board of Directors at the ASGA 

55

Eveline Saupper (1958, Switzerland, Dr iur�) has been a member 
of the Board of Directors since 1999� She studied jurisprudence 
at the University of St� Gallen� She is a lawyer and a certified 
tax expert� She worked for Peat Marwick Mitchell (now KPMG 
Fides), Zurich, from 1983 to 1985 and was employed by Baker 
& McKenzie, Zurich and Chicago, from 1985 to 1992� She joined 
Homburger AG, Zurich, in 1992, where she is a partner� She sits 
on the Board of Directors at Homburger AG, Zurich, and at 
Hostettler, Kramarsch & Partner Holding AG, Zurich� Since 
April 2013 she has been a member of the Board of Directors at 
Syngenta AG, Basel, and since May 2013 at Stäubli Holding AG, 
Pfäffikon (SZ)� Dr Saupper is an independent non-executive 
director�

Secretary to the Board of Directors: Andreas Eugster, Oberwil (BL)
Head of Group Internal Audit: Rolf-Christian Andersen, Meilen

Corporate Governance
Corporate Governance Report  
including Remuneration Report

pension fund and chairs the Board of Trustees at the Pensimo 
investment trust� She is Chairwoman of the Swiss Retail Fed-
eration and a member of the Executive Committee of the Swiss 
Employers’  Federation�  Ms�  Keller-Sutter  is  an  independent 
non-executive director�

Werner Kummer (1947, Switzerland, Dipl�-Ing� ETH Zurich, MBA 
Insead) has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2000� 
From 1990 to 1994 he was CEO of Schindler Aufzüge AG and 
subsequently, until 1998, sat on Schindler’s Group Management 
Committee, where he was responsible for the Asia Pacific region� 
Until  2013  he  was  a  member  of  the  Supervisory  Board  of  
Schindler Deutschland Holding GmbH� He was CEO of Forbo 
Holding AG from 1998 until 2004� He is a freelance management 
consultant, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Gebrüder 
Meier AG, a member of other Supervisory Boards of non-listed 
companies in Switzerland and abroad and an executive director 
of the Zurich Chamber of Commerce� Mr Kummer is an inde-
pendent non-executive director�

Thomas Pleines (1955, Germany, lawyer) has been a member of 
the Board of Directors since 2012� From 2003 to 2005 he was 
CEO and delegate of the Board of Directors at Allianz Suisse, 
Zurich, and from 2006 to 2010 was CEO of Allianz Versicherungs-
AG, Munich, and an executive director at Allianz Deutschland 
AG,  Munich�  From  1998  to  2013  Mr  Pleines  has  sat  on  the  
Supervisory Board of Bilfinger SE, Mannheim� He has been 
Chairman of the Presidential Board at DEKRA e�V�, Stuttgart, 
Chairman of the Supervisory Board of DEKRA SE, Stuttgart, 
Chairman of the Supervisory Board at SÜDVERS Holding GmbH 
& Co� KG, Au near Freiburg, and a member of the Board of 
Directors at KABA Holding AG, Rümlang near Zurich, since 
2011� Mr Pleines is an independent non-executive director�

56

Corporate Governance
Corporate Governance Report  
including Remuneration Report

Interlocking directorates
There are no interlocking directorates�

www.baloise.com  →  Responsibility 
→  Corporate Governance →  Rules and regulations

Internal organisation

Functions and responsibilities of the Board of Directors
Subject to the decision-making powers exercised by sharehold-
ers at the Annual General Meeting, the Board of Directors is 
the Company’s ultimate decision-making body� Decisions are 
taken by the Board of Directors unless authority has been del-
egated on the basis of the Organisational Regulations to the 
Chairman of the Board of Directors, its committees, the Chief 
Executive Officer or the Corporate Executive Committee�

Section 716a of the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR) and 
clause A3 of the Organisational Regulations state that the Board 
of Directors’ main functions and responsibilities are to act as 
the Company’s ultimate managerial and supervisory body, to 
oversee the Company’s finances and to determine its organi-
sational structures�
www.baloise.com  →  Responsibility 
→  Corporate Governance →  Rules and regulations

Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors has four committees, which support it 
in its activities� These committees report to the Board of Direc-
tors and submit the necessary proposals for their particular 
areas of responsibility� The Investment Committee and the Re-
muneration  Committee  have  their  own  decision-making  
powers�

The committees appointed by the Board of Directors gen-
erally consist of four members, who are newly elected every year 
by the Board of Directors� In accordance with section 7 VegüV, 
the members of the Remuneration Committee are to be elected 
by the Annual General Meeting from 2014� The Chairman and 
Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors are ex officio members 
of the Chairman’s Committee� The Chairman of the Board of 
Directors is not allowed to sit on the Audit and Risk Commit-
tee� The committees’ basic functions and responsibilities are 
specified in the Organisational Regulations and in the written 
regulations applicable to individual committees, which also 
govern administrative aspects�

Functions and responsibilities of the committees
The Chairman’s Committee provides advice on key transactions, 
especially those involving important strategic or personnel-
related decisions� Consequently, it also does the necessary pre-
paratory work on HR issues� 

The Investment Committee’s main responsibilities are to 
oversee the Baloise Group’s investment activities, define the 
basic principles of its investment policy, specify the asset alloca-
tion strategy for all strategic business units and devise the rel-
evant investment plan� 
Until now the Remuneration Committee has specified the struc-
ture and amount of remuneration paid to the members of the 
Board of Directors and of the salaries paid to the members of 
the Corporate Executive Committee� Under the VegüV, the re-
muneration of the Board of Directors and Corporate Executive 
Committee has to be approved by the Annual General Meeting 
from 2014� The Remuneration Committee will therefore submit 
the necessary proposals to the Board of Directors for presenta-
tion to the Annual General Meeting� The Remuneration Com-
mittee approves the target agreements and performance assess-
ments that are applied to the Corporate Executive Committee 
members in order to determine their variable remuneration� It 
also sanctions the remuneration policies applicable to the Cor-
porate Executive Committee members and ensures that they 
are being correctly implemented� It approves the variable re-
muneration granted to individual members of the Corporate 
Executive Committee; from 2014 this remuneration has to be 
within the maximum amount approved by the Annual Gen-
eral Meeting� Furthermore, it specifies the total amount avail-
able in the performance pool� 

The Audit and Risk Committee supports the Board of 
Directors in its non-delegable overarching supervisory and fi-
nancial oversight functions (section 716a OR) by ascertaining 
whether the internal and external control systems, including 
risk management, are well organised and function properly, by 
assessing the situation with respect to compliance in the Com-
pany and by forming its own view of the Company’s separate 

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and consolidated annual financial statements� It receives regu-
lar reports on the work and findings of Group Internal Audit 
and on cooperation with the external auditors� 

Meetings of the Board of Directors and its committees
The Organisational Regulations stipulate that the full Board of 
Directors must meet as often as business requires, but no fewer 
than four times a year�
www.baloise.com  →  Responsibility 
→  Corporate Governance →  Rules and regulations

The full Board of Directors of Bâloise Holding met on six oc-
casions in 2013� The table on page 53 shows Board of Directors 
members’ attendance at these meetings� With just one exception, 
all members of the relevant committee in each case attended 
every one of the additional 16 committee meetings� This means 
that the Board of Directors achieved an overall meeting attend-
ance rate of 97 per cent� One meeting of the full Board of Direc-
tors focused on providing members with training on regulation 
in Switzerland and in Europe/Belgium as well as on requirements 
and developments in the Swiss and EU solvency systems� Meet-
ings of the Board of Directors and its committees usually last 
half a working day each� 
www.baloise.com  →  Responsibility 
→  Corporate Governance →  Board attendance

the Group Compliance Officer� The main attendees at Remu-
neration Committee meetings are the Chief Executive Officer, 
the Head of the Corporate Centre and the Head of Group Hu-
man Resources� Meetings of the Investment Committee are 
usually attended by the Group CEO, the Chief Investment Of-
ficer, the Secretary to the Board of Directors and, occasionally, 
the Chief Financial Officer�

Division of authorities, functions and responsibilities between 

the Board of Directors and the Corporate Executive Committee
The division of authorities, functions and responsibilities be-
tween the Board of Directors and the Corporate Executive Com-
mittee is governed by law, the Articles of Association and the 
Organisational Regulations� The latter are reviewed on an on- 
going basis and updated as changing circumstances require� 
www.baloise.com  →  Responsibility 
→  Corporate Governance →  Rules and regulations

Tools used to monitor and obtain information on the Corporate 

Executive Committee
Group Internal Audit reports directly to the Chairman of the 
Board of Directors� 

Effective risk management is essential for any insurance 
group� This is why Baloise has devoted two entire chapters to 
the subject of financial risk management from page 44 onwards 
and in the Financial Report section starting on page 124�

The Chairman’s Committee convened six times in 2013, which 
included one two-day strategy meeting� The Investment Com-
mittee met on three occasions� The Audit and Risk Committee 
held four meetings, and the Remuneration Committee convened 
three times� 

The members of the Board of Directors receive copies of 
the minutes of Corporate Executive Committee meetings for 
their information� The Chairman of the Board of Directors may 
attend meetings of the Corporate Executive Committee at any 
time�

The members of the Corporate Executive Committee are 
regularly invited to attend meetings of the Board of Directors� 
Meetings of the Chairman’s Committee are usually attended 
by the Group CEO, the Chief Financial Officer and the Secretary 
to the Board of Directors� Those present at Audit and Risk Com-
mittee meetings are primarily the Chief Financial Officer, the 
Head of Group Internal Audit, the Secretary to the Board of 
Directors, representatives of the external auditors and, occasio- 
nally, the Chief Investment Officer, the Chief Risk Officer and 

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4. CORPORATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Martin Strobel (1966, Germany / Switzerland, Dr rer� pol�) stud-
ied computer science, business management and business infor-
mation systems at the universities of Kaiserslautern, Windsor 
(Canada) and Bamberg� From 1993 to 1999 he performed various 
roles at Boston Consulting Group, Düsseldorf, dealing with stra-
tegic IT management issues in the banking and insurance sectors� 
He joined the Baloise Group at the beginning of 1999� He was 
initially Head of IT at Basler Switzerland and, within the Baloise 
Group, was in charge of major cross-functional projects in the 
areas of insurance and finance� From 2003 to 2008 he was a 
member of the Corporate Executive Committee with responsi-
bility  for  Corporate  Division  Switzerland�  He  became  Chief 
Executive Officer on 1 January 2009� In addition, he has headed 
up Corporate Division International since 1 January 2013�

German Egloff (1958, Switzerland, lic� oec� HSG) graduated in 
business management from the University of St� Gallen� From 
1985 onwards he held various managerial positions at Winter-
thur Insurance, Switzerland� In 1997, as an executive director, 
he was put in charge of personal non-life insurance products, 
which included responsibility for both Wincare and – as Chair-
man of the Board of Directors – Sanacare� From 1998 to 2002 
he was Chief Financial Officer of Winterthur Switzerland and 
sat on the Board of Directors of Wincare, becoming its Chair-
man in 2000� From 2002 to 2004 he was Chief Financial Of-
ficer at Zurich Financial Services, Switzerland� His responsi-
bilities here comprised finance, human resources, IT, logistics 
and procurement� Since 1 December 2004 he has been a mem-
ber of the Corporate Executive Committee (heading up Cor-
porate Division Finance), where he oversees investor relations, 
financial management, financial accounting & corporate finance, 
and corporate IT� The actuary responsible for Baloise’s business 
in Switzerland also reports to German Egloff�

Jan De Meulder (1955, Belgium) studied mathematics and actu-
arial mathematics at the universities of Antwerp and Leuven, 
Belgium� From 1978 to 1992 he worked for De Vaderlandsche 
Insurance, which was part of the ING Group in Antwerp� His 
responsibilities here included life insurance product development 

and production� After working for two years as General Man-
ager at Life Association of Scotland, he moved to the Fortis Group 
in Brussels in 1994, where he performed various senior manage-
rial roles, eventually becoming CEO of Fortis Corporate Insur-
ance� In 2004 he joined the Baloise Group as CEO of the Belgian 
subsidiary Mercator Verzekeringen in Antwerp� He has been a 
member of the Corporate Executive Committee since 1 January 
2009 and, in this function, headed up Corporate Division Inter-
national from 2009 to 2012� He has also been the CEO of the 
insurance companies in Germany since 1 January 2013�

Michael Müller (1971, Switzerland, lic� oec� publ�) graduated in 
economics from the University of Zurich, supplementing his 
studies in the fields of insurance and accounting/finance� He 
began his career with Basler Versicherungen in 1997, starting 
as a management trainee, then working in Group Finance and 
eventually becoming Deputy Head and, in 2004, Head of Fi-
nancial Accounting for the Baloise Group� In 2009, as Head of 
Finance and Risk, he became a member of the senior manage-
ment team in Corporate Division Switzerland, focusing on fi-
nancial reporting and accounting, actuarial management of the 
insurance companies, risk management and coordination of 
logistics processes and the pool of project leaders� He has been 
a member of the Corporate Executive Committee and CEO of 
Corporate Division Switzerland since March 2011�

Thomas Sieber (1965, Switzerland, Dr iur�, M�B�L�, lawyer) stud-
ied law at the University of St� Gallen� At the beginning of 1994 
he qualified to practise as a lawyer in the Swiss canton of Zurich� 
From 1999 to 2002 he lectured in corporate law at the Univer-
sity of St� Gallen� After brief spells working at Landis & Gyr and 
Siemens he joined the Baloise Group in 1997 as Deputy Head 
of Legal & Tax� He became Head of this division in 2001 and, 
in addition, was secretary to Bâloise Holding’s Board of Direc-
tors  until  April  2012�  He  has  been  Head  of  the  Corporate  
Centre since 6 December 2007 and, in this capacity, is respon-
sible for Group Human Resources, Legal & Tax, Group Compli-
ance, Corporate Development, Run-Off Business and – since 
2009 – Group Procurement� He also sits on the Board of Direc-
tors at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg�

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Martin Strobel

German Egloff

Jan De Meulder

Michael Müller

Thomas Sieber

Martin Wenk

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Further information on the members of the Corporate Execu-
tive Committee can be found on the internet�

With the exception of Dr Thomas Sieber and Martin Wenk, 
no Corporate Executive Committee members serve on the Boards 
of Directors at companies outside the Baloise Group�

There are no management agreements that assign execu-

tive functions to third parties�
www.baloise.com  →  About us  →  Organisation 
  →  Corporate Executive Committee

Martin Wenk (1957, Switzerland, lic� iur�) held several posts at  
a major bank from 1982 to 1992 after graduating in law from 
the  University  of  Basel�  He  started  out  as  an  investment  
adviser  to  institutional  clients  before  becoming  a  Group  
Manager in private banking in New York and eventually work-
ing  as  Section  Head  of  Securities  Sales,  where  he  primarily 
covered key institutional clients� From 1992 to 2000 he headed 
up portfolio management in Switzerland for the Baloise Group, 
where he was responsible for managing the assets of several 
Swiss companies, including their pension funds� In 2001 he was 
appointed to the Corporate Executive Committee (as Head of 
Corporate Division Asset Management) and, in this capacity, 
is  responsible  for  the  Baloise  Group’s  asset  management  
activities, which include investment strategy and investment 
control, Baloise Asset Management, real estate, and Baloise 
Investment Services (investment fund business)� He sits on the 
Board of Directors at Unigestion Holding, Geneva, and at the 
Swiss Federal Social Security Funds, Geneva�

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Management structure

(effective date: 31 December 2013)

GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Martin Strobel, Dr rer� pol�*

Group Secretary

Markus von Escher, Dr iur�

Corporate Communications

Dominik Müller

SWITZERLAND

INTERNATIONAL

FINANCE

ASSET MANAGEMENT

CORPORATE CENTRE

Martin Strobel, 
Dr rer� pol�*

Germany

Jan De Meulder* 

Belgium

Gert De Winter

Luxembourg

Romain Braas

Austria

Otmar Bodner, Dr iur�

Croatia & Serbia

Darko Cesar 
(until 11 March 2014)

German Egloff*

Martin Wenk*

Financial Accounting  
German Egloff 
(a�i� until 31 December 
2013)

Pierre Girard 
(since 1 January 2014)

Investor Relations

Marc Kaiser

Group Risk Management

Stefan Nölker,  
Dr rer� nat�

Corporate IT 

Olaf Romer 

Appointed Actuary 
Switzerland

Thomas Müller,
Dr sc� math� 

Investment Strategy & 
Investment Controlling

Thomas Schöb 

Baloise Asset  
Management

Matthias Henny,  
Dr phil�

Real Estate

Hans-Peter Bissegger 
(until 31 March 2013)

Renato Piffaretti 
(since 1 April 2013)

Baloise Investment 
Services

Robert Antonietti

Michael Müller*  

Product Management 
Corporate Clients 

Clemens Markstein 

Product Management 
Private Customers & 
Specialised Financial 
Services 

Wolfgang Prasser

Sales & Marketing

Bernard Dietrich

Baloise Bank SoBa

Jürg Ritz 

Operations & IT
Urs Bienz

Finance & Risk

Carsten Stolz,  
Dr rer� pol�

Claims

Stephan Ragg, Dr iur� 
(until 31 May 2013)

Mathias Zingg 
(since 1 June 2013)

Thomas Sieber,  
Dr iur�*

Corporate Development

Thomas Wodrich 
(until 30 June 2013)

Sybille Fischer 
(since 1 July 2013)

Group Human  
Resources

Kurt Grois 
(until 13 March 2013)

Stephan Ragg, Dr iur� 
(since 1 June 2013)

Group Legal & Tax

Andreas Eugster 
(until 31 December 2013)

Andreas Burki 
(since 1 January 2014)

Group Compliance

Silvia Kalbermatten,  
Dr iur� 
(until 31 August 2013)

Peter Kalberer 
(since 1 September 2013)

Run Off

Bruno Rappo

Group Procurement 

Manfred Schneider,  
Dr rer� nat�

62

* Member of the Corporate Executive Committee.

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5. REMUNERATION REPORT: REMUNERATION, SHARE OWNER-

SHIP AND LOANS GRANTED TO MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF 

DIRECTORS AND THE CORPORATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 
By the end of 2014 Baloise will have implemented most of the 
Ordinance Against Excessive Remuneration at Publicly Listed 
Companies (VegüV), which was enacted by the Swiss Federal 
Council with effect from 1 January 2014�

Consequently, all existing change-of-control clauses were 
repealed with effect from 1 January 2014, and the Remuneration 
Committee’s remit was brought into line with the new legisla-
tion� A number of amendments to the Articles of Association 
will be submitted to the 2014 Annual General Meeting for ap-
proval, and the members of the Remuneration Committee will 
be proposed for election individually�

The 2014 Annual General Meeting will hold three separate 
ballots in which the shareholders will for the first time have the 
opportunity to vote on the remuneration paid to the Board of 
Directors, the fixed remuneration received by the Corporate 
Executive Committee (both of these paid for the following fi-
nancial year) and the maximum variable remuneration payable 
to the Corporate Executive Committee for the current financial 
year� The Ordinance requires only a few adjustments to be made 
to the structure of the Corporate Executive Committee’s remu-
neration� The variable remuneration determined by the Com-
pany’s success and individuals’ performance will in future be 
paid from the performance pool only� The performance-related 
remuneration currently awarded for the achievement of per-
sonal targets and objectives is being integrated into the perfor-
mance pool� The expected performance pool amount and the 
fixed  remuneration  component  are  being  increased  for  this 
purpose� The total remuneration paid to the Corporate Execu-
tive Committee will remain unchanged� This new system com-
plies with the new legislation and meets the European standard, 
which stipulates a one-to-one ratio between fixed and variable 
remuneration (Capital Requirements Directive IV)�

This remuneration report relates to the 2013 financial year� 
It therefore describes the remuneration policies adopted and the 
remuneration systems in place during the reporting year, and it 
discloses the remuneration paid to the Board of Directors and 
the Corporate Executive Committee in 2013� The content and 
scope of these disclosures are determined by sections 663bbis and 
663c (3) of the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR), the corporate 
governance information guidelines published by the SIX Swiss 
Exchange, the Swiss Code of Best Practice for Corporate Govern-
ance, and circular 10/1 of the Swiss Financial Market Supervi-
sory Authority (FINMA) concerning remuneration systems� 

5.1 Remuneration Committee of the Board of Directors
The Remuneration Committee set up by the Board of Directors 
in 2001 is consistent with the Swiss Code of Best Practice and 
is designed to oversee remuneration policies, especially those 
applied at the most senior levels within the Company� The Re-
muneration Committee ensures, among other things, that 
 → remuneration policies and systems are long term in 

nature and are consistent with the Company’s strategy; 

 → the remuneration offered by Baloise is in line with the 

going market rate and is sufficiently competitive in order 
to attract and retain individuals with the necessary skills 
and character attributes; 

 → the remuneration paid is demonstrably dependent on the 
Company’s sustained success and individuals’ personal 
contributions and does not create any perverse incentives; 

 → the structure and amount of overall remuneration paid 
are consistent with Baloise’s risk policies and encourage 
risk awareness� 

The Remuneration Committee’s main functions and responsi-
bilities are to 
 → specify the structure and amount of remuneration paid to 
the Chairman and members of the Board of Directors and 
to the members of the Corporate Executive Committee; 
 → approve the target agreements and performance assess-
ments that are applied to the members of the Corporate 
Executive Committee; 

 → approve the variable remuneration granted to individual 

members of the Corporate Executive Committee; 
 → specify the total amount available in the performance 

pool and the total amount set aside for the allocation of 
performance share units (PSUs); 

 → approve inducement payments and severance packages 
that are granted to the most senior managers; and 

 → sanction the remuneration policies applicable to the Cor-
porate Executive Committee members and ensure that 
they are being correctly implemented� 

The Remuneration Committee consists of the following four 
independent members of the Board of Directors, who are new-
ly elected every year by the Board of Directors: Dr Eveline Saup-
per (Chairwoman), Thomas Pleines (Deputy Chairman), Dr 
Georges-Antoine de Boccard and Karin Keller-Sutter� The Re-
muneration Committee generally meets at least twice a year� In 
addition to the committee secretary being present, these meet-
ings are usually also attended by the Chief Executive Officer, 
the Head of the Corporate Centre and the Head of Group Hu-
man Resources, who participate in an advisory capacity� The 

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individual members of the Group Executive Committee leave 
the meeting if the Remuneration Committee is discussing or 
deciding on their personal remuneration� The Chairwoman of 
the Remuneration Committee reports to the Board of Directors 
at its next meeting on the committee’s activities� In addition, 
the minutes of Remuneration Committee meetings are avail-
able to the entire Board of Directors�

5.2 Remuneration policies 

Principles
The Company’s success is largely dependent on the skills, ca-
pabilities and performance of its workforce� It is therefore es-
sential to recruit, develop and retain suitably qualified, highly 
capable  and  highly  motivated  professionals  and  executives� 
Baloise’s remuneration policies and systems are based on these 
overarching principles� 

Remuneration procedures and regulations
Responding to a request from the Remuneration Committee, 
in 2010 the Board of Directors formally adopted remuneration 
procedures that formulate the remuneration principles and 
parameters applied across the Baloise Group� These remuner-
ation procedures apply to all employees throughout the Baloise 
Group� They reflect the Company’s values and principles and 
can be summarised as follows: 
 → Competitiveness in the marketplace: Baloise aims to pay 
basic salaries in line with the market and to offer variable 
remuneration packages in excess of the going market rate 
to reward outstanding performance by individuals and 
the Company; 

 → Remuneration that reflects individual and company-wide 
performance: merit and achievement form the basis for 
advancement and promotion; 

 → Fairness and transparency: external market-based com-

parisons, fair pay and no discrimination; 

 → Sustainability: high correlation between the interests of 

managers and shareholders, long-term commitment and  
a high proportion of restricted shares� 

The Board of Directors used these remuneration procedures as 
the  basis  for  the  remuneration  regulations  that  it  formally 
adopted at the same time� These regulations apply to all em-
ployees in Switzerland and, by analogy, to all members of staff 
throughout the Baloise Group� By adopting these remuneration 
procedures and regulations, the Board of Directors has ensured 
that all aspects of remuneration policy are centrally coordi-

nated� This regulatory framework underpins a remuneration 
system that meets all the requirements of the Swiss Financial 
Market Supervisory Authority and, in particular, ensures that 
variable remuneration even more accurately reflects the value 
added by the Company� Group Internal Audit conducted a review 
of the remuneration system in 2012 and found that the way in 
which the Baloise Group’s remuneration system had been struc-
tured and implemented was consistent with both the Board of 
Directors’ remuneration policies and the circular issued by the 
Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority� 

5.3 Remuneration system  

Objectives
The objectives of the remuneration system are to further increase 
the emphasis on performance at Baloise and to strengthen em-
ployees’ and executives’ loyalty and commitment to the organ-
isation� The aim of Baloise’s remuneration policies is to pay 
basic salaries in line with the going market rate� In addition, 
the variable components of remuneration are structured in such 
a way that it is possible to grant payments above the market 
median  for  years  in  which  individual  performance  and  the 
Company’s profitability have been good; equally, it is possible 
to offer payments below the market median for years in which 
performance and profitability have been poor� As a performance-
driven organisation, Baloise clearly and transparently aligns 
individual employees’ targets with the Company’s targets, which 
are derived from its strategic priorities� Target agreements, per-
formance assessments and remuneration are closely correlated� 
The total remuneration package – which comprises basic sal-
ary and variable remuneration – offers a sophisticated way of 
linking  individuals’  performance  to  Baloise’s  success  and  
recognising both accordingly, and it is designed to reward em-
ployees for outstanding achievement without creating an incen-
tive for them to take inappropriate risks� Personal performance 
provides our talented individuals with the necessary platform 
for their development, advancement, career planning and pro-
motion� Baloise attaches considerable importance to retaining 
high performers and managing its business sustainably� In ad-
dition to paying its staff in line with market rates and according 
to individual achievement, the Company encourages its execu-
tives to focus on the long term and on its shareholders’ interests� 
Consequently, it pays a substantial proportion of variable re-
muneration in the form of shares that are restricted for three 
years� Furthermore, the three most senior management levels 
receive performance share units, which means that a further 

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component of their salaries is paid out as shares that are re-
stricted for either three or six years as a form of deferred remu-
neration� As managers’ strategic responsibility and influence 
grow, the amount of their variable remuneration is significant-
ly determined by the Company’s profitability and economic 
value added (allowing for the level of risk taken)� Short-term 
variable remuneration as a percentage of total compensation as 
well as the proportion of remuneration paid in the form of re-
stricted shares (i�e� as deferred compensation) increase accord-
ingly� Shares account for over 80 per cent of the variable remu-
neration  paid  to  the  members  of  the  Corporate  Executive 
Committee, and the value of the shares that they hold in total 
amounts to more than five times their basic salaries� This situ-
ation complies with key aspects of the standards required by 
the regulatory authorities� 

Performance management system 
Baloise introduced a new performance management system for 
short-term variable remuneration in 2011� In order to encourage 
employees to focus relentlessly on performance and results while 
also factoring in the Company’s success, this system comprises 
two clearly distinct tools: performance-related remuneration 
and the performance pool� Performance-related remuneration 
is used to reward individual employees’ achievements, while 
the performance pool as a whole takes account of the Company’s 
performance and value added� 

Performance-related pay accounts for approximately two-
thirds of the total short-term variable remuneration paid to 
middle management� This proportion declines steadily as man-
agers’ strategic responsibility and influence increase and is around 
one-third for members of the Corporate Executive Committee� 
The performance management system applies to the most 
senior level of management throughout the Baloise Group� It 
also applies to most other management levels both inside and 
outside Switzerland� Its roll-out in Germany was completed in 
2013 owing to the merger of the two companies Basler Ger-
many and Deutscher Ring� Avéro and Nateus – both fairly recent 
acquisitions in Belgium – were also integrated into the perfor-
mance management system in 2013�

Market comparisons 
Baloise regularly compares the salaries paid to its senior ex-
ecutives with those paid in the wider market� It uses function-
specific peer groups in order to replicate the relevant market as 
accurately as possible� To this end, each function being compared 

is assigned to one of three distinct peer groups� In assigning the 
various functions to these peer groups, Baloise has to consider 
the question of which companies it is competing against for the 
skill sets and qualifications needed in each case (i�e� recruitment 
market) and which alternative employers – in theory, at least 
– meet a certain function profile (i�e� competitors)� 

The first peer group replicates Baloise’s core market and 
comprises direct insurers in the respective country� This peer 
group is used for conventional insurance and sales functions 
and for the local CEOs, executive directors and senior manage-
ment functions� The second peer group supplements the core-
market group by including further companies from the banking 
and financial services sector in the respective country� This group 
is designed to compare functions that demand considerable 
financial expertise but do not necessarily require an insurance 
background� The third peer group consists of companies of a 
similar size and structure from various sectors and is used for 
interdisciplinary functions�

A benchmarking survey conducted by Kienbaum in 2012 
shows that most of the total remuneration packages granted by 
Baloise are close to the market median and its compensation is 
therefore in line with the going market rate and sufficiently 
competitive� The decline in the variable component of total re-
muneration reflects a general trend among financial services 
providers and is indicative of the fact that variable remuneration 
is closely correlated with companies’ operating performance� 
Deferred compensation as a proportion of total remuneration 
is higher at Baloise than at similar competitors� This is consis- 
tent with the Company’s intention of increasing its proportion 
of long-term compensation and making it contingent on Baloise’s 
sustained success� 

Baloise regularly compares the salaries paid in its insur-
ance-specific and insurance-related functions in Switzerland 
with those of its relevant competitors and takes part in the Club 
Survey that Kienbaum has been conducting since 1995� This 
benchmarking survey of the salaries paid in the Swiss insurance 
sector is constantly being optimised to ensure that it meets par-
ticipants’ high professional standards and quality requirements� 
The comparison mainly covers insurance-specific functions up 
to middle management level� It also examines insurance-relat-
ed, managerial and specialist functions performed by senior 
executives� The findings of this benchmarking survey are fed 
into the Company’s regular review of its salary structures�

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Baloise also conducts market comparisons of its local functions 
in the respective countries outside Switzerland as and when 
required� 

5.4 Components of remuneration 
Baloise views its compensation packages in the round and there-
fore factors in not only the basic salary plus short- and long-term 
variable remuneration but also other material and non-mate-
rial benefits such as pension contributions, additional benefits 
and staff development� 

Basic salary 
The basic salary constitutes the level of remuneration that is 
commensurate with the functions and responsibilities of the 
position concerned as well as the employee skills and expertise 
required in order to achieve the relevant business targets and 
objectives� When determining the level of its basic salaries,  
Baloise  aims  to  position  itself  around  the  market  median,  
although the way in which this is done will vary depending on 
local operating and market requirements� This remuneration is 
paid in cash�

Basic salaries are regularly reviewed and may be adjusted 
to reflect employees’ individual performance, the situation in 
the relevant salary band or the Company’s performance� In or-
der to ensure fairness and compliance with its code of conduct 
when determining the level of basic salaries, Baloise applies the 
internal fair-pay principle that people who do the same job and 
have the same qualifications should be paid the same amount� 
The Company’s clearly defined and market-based salary structures 
help ensure fair pay both inside and outside the organisation� 

Short-term variable remuneration
The key factors determining the amount of short-term variable 
remuneration paid are an employee’s individual performance 
and the Company’s profitability and economic value added� The 
consequent link between individual performance and the Com-
pany’s profits is designed to incentivise staff to achieve outstand-
ing results� Measurement of the variable remuneration paid to 
employees who perform control functions (risk management, 
compliance, Group Internal Audit) is structured in such a way 
that it is not determined by the profitability of the unit being 
monitored or by the profitability of individual products and 
transactions�

The remuneration paid to the insurance sales force is, by 
its very nature, strongly performance-related in line with the 

system of commissions commonly used in the insurance indus-
try as a whole� However, these commissions constitute selling 
expenses rather than being regarded as variable remuneration 
in the strict sense of the term� Consequently, they are not dis-
cussed in this remuneration report�

Short-term variable remuneration is paid together with 
the salary for March of the following year� Baloise attaches con-
siderable importance to managing its business sustainably and 
ensuring a high correlation between the interests of its share-
holders and executives� It therefore pays a substantial proportion 
of variable remuneration in the form of shares� Senior manag-
ers can choose what percentage of their remuneration is paid 
out in cash and what proportion they receive in the form of 
shares� This choice is limited for the most senior managers, who 
are obliged to subscribe for shares on a sliding-scale basis: mem-
bers of the Corporate Executive Committee must receive at least 
50 per cent of their short-term variable remuneration in the 
form of shares� The shares subscribed in this way are restricted 
for three years and during this period are exposed to market 
risk� This mandatory purchase of shares in particular ensures 
that as senior executives’ managerial responsibilities and total 
remuneration packages increase, a significant proportion of 
their compensation is paid in the form of deferred remunera-
tion�  This  system  also  raises  employees’  risk  awareness  and 
encourages them to maintain sustainable business practices� 
Two plans are available to individuals who wish to sub-
scribe for shares: the Share Subscription Plan and the Employ-
ee Share Ownership Plan (see “5�6� Share Subscription Plan and 
Employee Share Ownership Plan”)� 

The section below describes performance-related remu-
neration and the performance pool, which are available as short-
term variable remuneration tools� 

Performance-related remuneration
Performance-related remuneration reflects individual employ-
ees’ performance and rewards the achievement of their per-
sonal targets� To this end, line managers consult their members 
of staff once a year in order to define the latter’s key individual 
targets and objectives and then – by no later than February of 
the following year – assess the extent to which these targets and 
objectives have been achieved� The target achievement scale 
ranges from 0 per cent (not achieved) to a maximum of 150 per 
cent (significantly overachieved)� When setting these individ-
ual targets, line managers and their staff ensure that they do 

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Corporate Governance Report  
including Remuneration Report

not agree any targets or objectives that conflict with the Com-
pany’s business strategy� 

rather than using just a few parameters to make an assessment 
that may neglect other key factors� 

The target figure agreed for performance-related remu-
neration depends on the employee’s basic salary and varies ac-
cording to his or her seniority in the management hierarchy� 
The target figure for the members of the Corporate Executive 
Committee is 30 per cent of their basic salary� The target agree-
ments and performance assessments for the members of the 
Corporate Executive Committee are carried out by the Remu-
neration Committee� 

Those entitled to receive performance-related remunera-
tion are the most senior management level in the Baloise Group, 
the majority of senior managers in Switzerland and the corre-
sponding functions abroad� 

Performance pool
The performance pool takes account of the entire Baloise Group’s 
performance; its amount is determined at the Remuneration 
Committee’s discretion after the end of the financial year con-
cerned� To this end, the Remuneration Committee assesses the 
performance achieved by the Baloise Group as a whole in the 
previous financial year, factoring in the following criteria among 
others: 
 → Profit for the period compared with competitors and pre-

vious years 

 → Capital-markets perspective compared with competitors 
 → Risks taken
 → Strategy implementation�
Performance pool payments are awarded to individuals at the 
discretion of the line manager concerned; no regulatory target 
figures have been specified� The amount of these payments is 
mainly determined by a holistic assessment consisting of indi-
viduals’ achievement of targets (gauged by the extent to which 
they have achieved their personal targets and objectives) as well 
as their leadership and conduct� The individual performance 
pool payment proposed by the respective line manager is dis-
cussed by the relevant management team, compared with oth-
er departments and divisions, and adjusted where necessary� 
This process ensures that risk-relevant behavioural attributes 
are factored into the performance pool payments awarded to 
individuals� 

This chosen system is centred on senior managers’ overall 
assessment and the validation of individuals’ performance pool 
payments at roundtable discussions� The aim here is to give due 
consideration  to  all  aspects  of  an  individual’s  performance 

The Remuneration Committee decides on the performance 
pool payments awarded to the individual members of the Cor-
porate Executive Committee� The average expected payment 
amounts to roughly 50 per cent of basic salary�

Those considered for performance pool payments are the 
most senior management level in the Baloise Group, the major-
ity of senior managers in Switzerland and the corresponding 
functions abroad� However, there is no fundamental entitlement 
to receive payments from the performance pool� 

Long-term variable remuneration
In addition, Baloise grants performance share units (PSUs) to 
the most senior managers as a form of long-term variable re-
muneration� The PSU programme enables the top management 
level to benefit even more from the Company’s performance 
and helps Baloise to retain high performers in the long run� 

Performance share units 
At the beginning of each vesting period the participating em-
ployees are granted rights in the form of PSUs, which entitle 
them to receive a certain number of shares free of charge after 
the vesting period has elapsed� The Remuneration Committee 
specifies the grant date and applies its own discretion in decid-
ing which of the most senior managers are entitled to participate 
in the programme� It determines the total number of PSUs avail-
able and decides how many are to be awarded to each member 
of the Corporate Executive Committee� PSUs are granted to the 
other programme participants on the basis of the relevant line 
manager’s proposal, which must be approved by the line man-
ager’s manager� 

The number of shares that can be subscribed after three 
years – i�e� at the end of the vesting period – depends on the 
performance of Baloise shares relative to a peer group� This 
comparative performance multiplier can be anywhere between 
0�5 and 1�5� The peer group comprises the leading European 
insurance companies contained in the STOXX Europe 600 In-
surance Index� 

One PSU generally confers the right to receive one share� 
This is the case if Baloise shares perform in line with the me-
dian of their peer group� In this case the performance multi-
plier would be 1�0� Participants in the programme receive more 
shares in exchange for their PSUs if Baloise shares outperform 
their peer group� The multiplier reaches the maximum of 1�5 if 

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Corporate Governance Report  
including Remuneration Report

The performance multiplier was therefore 0�77, and the 68,244 
outstanding PSUs were converted into 52,551 shares (share price 
of CHF 113�60 on 31 December 2013, market capitalisation of 
CHF 5�97 million)� 

The shares needed to convert the PSUs are purchased in 

the market as and when required� 

Measurement of the PSUs at their issue date is based on 
a Monte Carlo simulation, which calculates a present value for 
the payout expected at the end of the vesting period� This meas-
urement incorporates the following parameters:
 → Interest rate of 3 per cent
 → The volatilities of all shares in the peer group and their 

correlations with each other (measured over a three-year 
track record)

 → The expected dividend yields
 → Empirical data on how long eligible programme  

participants remain with the company�

The value of PSUs is exposed to market risk until the end of the 
vesting period and may, of course, fluctuate significantly, as 
shown in the table below:

the performance of Baloise shares is in the top quartile of com-
panies in the peer group� The multiplier amounts to 0�5 if the 
performance of Baloise shares is in the bottom quartile of com-
panies in the peer group� If the performance of Baloise shares 
is in either of the two middle quartiles, a linear scale is used to 
calculate the performance multiplier� The performance multi-
plier for the entire vesting period ended is based on the closing 
stock market prices on the final trading day of the respective 
vesting period� 

Participants in the programme receive the pertinent num-
ber of shares once the vesting period has elapsed, which means 
that for the PSUs allocated in 2013 they receive their shares on 
1 March 2016� Half of the shares granted in this way are then 
subject to an additional three-year restriction period� 

If an individual’s employment contract is terminated dur-
ing the vesting period (except in the case of retirement, disabil-
ity or death), the PSUs expire without the person concerned 
receiving any replacement or compensation� In addition, the 
Remuneration Committee has the powers to claw back some or 
all of the PSUs allocated to an individual or to a group of pro-
gramme participants if there are specific reasons for doing so� 
Such specific reasons include, for example, serious breaches of 
internal or external regulations, the taking of inappropriate 
risks that are within an individual’s control, and the type of 
conduct or behaviour that would increase the risks to Baloise� 
The PSUs allocated in 2011 were converted into shares as 
at 1 January 2014� The performance of Baloise shares at the end 
of the vesting period on 31 December 2013 ranked 21st out of 
33 companies in the relevant peer group (STOXX Europe 600 
Insurance Index), which meant that it was in the third quartile� 

PERFORMANCE SHARE UNIT 
(PSU) PLAN

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

PSUs granted

PSUs converted 

Change in value

Date

Price (CHF)1

Date

Multiplier

Price (CHF)1

Value (CHF)2

01.03.2007

01.01.2008

01.01.2009

01.01.2010

01.01.2011

01.03.2012

01.03.2013

125.80

109.50 

82.40 

86.05 

91.00 

71.20 

84.50 

01.01.2010

01.01.2011

01.01.2012

01.01.2013

01.01.2014

01.03.2015

01.03.2016

1.182

1.24 

0.64 

0.58 

0.77 

41.44

41.50

86.05 

91.00 

64.40 

78.50 

113.60 

4113.60

4113.60

101.71 

112.84 

41.22 

45.53 

87.47 

4163.58

4170.40

3

– 19 %

3 %

– 50 %

– 47 %

– 4 %

4130 %

4102 %

1   Price = price of Baloise shares at the PSU grant date or conversion date
2   Value = value of one PSU at the conversion date (share price at the conversion date times the multiplier)
3   Change in value = difference between the value at the conversion date and the share price at the grant date
4   Interim measurement as at 31 December 2013

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Fringe benefits
Fringe benefits are generally defined as components of the total 
remuneration package that are not dependent on either an in-
dividual’s function or performance or the Company’s perfor-
mance� By providing benefits in the form of retirement pensions, 
subsidies, concessions, staff training and professional develop-
ment, Baloise demonstrates the close partnership that it main-
tains with its employees and the extent to which it values their 
contribution� Fringe benefits are granted on a country-by-coun-
try basis in line with prevailing local laws� 

amount – must be approved by the Remuneration Committee, 
which applies its own discretion in assessing each individual 
case� 

5.6 Share Subscription Plan and Employee Share Ownership 

Plan
Two plans are available to individuals who wish to subscribe 
for shares as part of their short-term variable remuneration: the 
Share Subscription Plan and the Employee Share Ownership 
Plan� 

5.5 Employment contracts, change-of-control clauses, 

inducement payments and severance packages 
The employment contracts of senior managers in Switzerland 
and – in most cases – in other countries as well have been con-
cluded for an indefinite period� They stipulate a notice period 
of six months� The Chairman of the Board of Directors and all 
six members of the Corporate Executive Committee have a no-
tice period of twelve months� Until 31 December 2013 they and 
three other members of senior management were also entitled 
to  severance  pay  equivalent  to  one  year’s  salary  (including 
variable remuneration) after a change of control or merger, should 
the employer (or, in certain circumstances, the employee) ter-
minate their employment contract within twelve months of the 
takeover or merger� 

The remuneration regulations adopted by the Board of 
Directors in March 2010 contain clear guidance on inducement 
payments and severance packages� Such remuneration may only 
be paid in justified cases� Inducement payments and severance 
packages for the most senior managers – irrespective of their 

Share Subscription Plan 
Since January  2003 those who qualify as eligible persons at  
Baloise Group companies in Switzerland – and, since 2008, the 
members of the senior management teams at companies outside 
Switzerland as well – have been able to subscribe for shares at 
a preferential price as part of their short-term variable remu-
neration� The subscription date is 1 March of each year; although 
title to the shares passes to the relevant employees on this date 
without any further vesting conditions having to be met, the 
shares cannot be sold during a three-year restriction period� 

The parameters used to determine the subscription price 
are decided each year by the Remuneration Committee� The 
subscription price is based on the closing price on the first day 
of the subscription period (until 2013: volume-weighted average 
share price during a contemporaneous measurement period), 
on which a discount of 10 per cent is granted (please refer to 
the accompanying table for details)� Once it has been calcu-
lated using this method, the subscription price is published in 

Companies in the STOXX 600 Europe Insurance Index (as at 31 December 2013)

Admiral Group plc

Aegon NV

Ageas

Allianz

Amlin plc

Assicurazioni Generali

Aviva plc

Axa

Catlin Group

CNP Assurances

Delta Lloyd

Mapfre SA

Münchener Rück

Old Mutual plc

Direct Line Insurance Group

Prudential plc

Gjensidige Forsikring

Resolution

Hannover Rück

Helvetia

ING Groep NV

RSA Insurance Group

Sampo OYJ

Scor

Bâloise Holding

Legal & General Group plc

Standard Life plc

Source: http: /  / www.stoxx.com / download / indices / factsheets / stx_supersectors_fs.pdf

St. James's Place Capital

Storebrand ASA

Swiss Life

Swiss Re

Topdanmark A / S

Tryg Forsikring

Vienna Insurance

Zurich Financial Services

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Corporate Governance Report  
including Remuneration Report

advance on the intranet� The shares needed for the Share Sub-
scription Plan are purchased in the market as and when required�

Closing quotation 
and measurement 
period for average 
share price

Applicable 
share price

Subscription 
price

10.1.2014

114.20

102.78

4. – 15.2.2013

81.70

73.53

CHF

Share Subscription  
Plan for 2014 
(applies to variable  
renumeration awarded for  
the 2013 reporting period)

Share Subscription  
Plan for 2013 
(applies to shares subscribed 
by the Chairman and 
members of the Board of 
Directors during the reporting 
year)

Employee Share Ownership Plan
Since May 2001 it has been possible for most managers working 
in Switzerland to receive part of their short-term variable re-
muneration in the form of shares from the Employee Share 
Ownership Plan instead of receiving cash� Within certain lim-
its they are free to choose what proportion of their short-term 
variable remuneration they receive in the form of such shares� 
The most senior managers are subject to upper limits; members 
of the Corporate Executive Committee – who are obliged to 
receive at least half of their short-term variable remuneration 
in the form of shares – are not allowed to receive more than 50 
per cent of their entitlement in the form of shares from the 
Employee Share Ownership Plan� The subscription date is 1 
March of each year (i�e� the same as that for the Share Subscrip-
tion Plan); although title to the shares passes to the relevant 
employees on this date without any further vesting conditions 
having to be met, the shares cannot be sold during a three-year 
restriction period� 

The parameters used to determine the subscription price 
are decided each year by the Remuneration Committee� The 
subscription price is based on the closing price on the first day 
of the subscription period (until 2013: volume-weighted average 
share price during a contemporaneous measurement period), 
from  which  discounted  dividend  rights  are  deducted  over  
a period of three years (please refer to the accompanying table 
for details)� Once it has been calculated using this method, the 

70

subscription price is published in advance on the intranet� The 
shares needed for the Employee Share Ownership Plan are pur-
chased in the market as and when required� 

In order to increase the impact of this Employee Share 
Ownership Plan, employees are granted loans on which interest 
is charged at market rates, which enables them to subscribe for 
shares whose value constitutes a multiple of the capital invest-
ed; these shares are purchased at their fair value net of dis-
counted dividend rights over a period of three years� Repayment 
of these loans after the three-year restriction period has elapsed 
is hedged by put options, which are financed by the sale of off-
setting call options� After the three-year restriction period has 
elapsed, the relevant options have been exercised and the loans 
plus accrued interest have been repaid, the employees concerned 
receive the remaining shares to do with as they wish�

Closing quotation 
and measurement 
period for average 
share price

Applicable 
share price

Subscription 
price

10.1.2014

114.20

100.87

4. – 15.2.2013

81.70

68.67

CHF

Employee  
Share Ownership Plan for 
2014 
(applies to variable  
renumeration awarded for the 
2013 reporting period )

Employee  
Share Ownership Plan for 
2013 
(applies to shares subscribed 
by the Chairman of the Board 
of Directors during the 
reporting year)

Corporate Governance
Corporate Governance Report  
including Remuneration Report

5.7 Employee Incentive Plan 
The Baloise Foundation for Employee Participation set up in 
1989 offers members of staff working for various Baloise Group 
companies in Switzerland the opportunity to purchase shares 
in Bâloise Holding Ltd – usually once a year – at a preferential 
price in compliance with the regulations adopted by the Board 
of Foundation� This encourages employees to maintain their 
commitment to the Company over the long term by becoming 
shareholders� The subscription price is fixed by the Board of 
Foundation at the beginning of the subscription period and is 
then published on the intranet� It equals half of the volume-
weighted average share price calculated for the month of August 
in the subscription year and amounts to CHF 50�30 for the re-
porting year (2012: CHF 34�20)� Title to the subscribed shares 
passes to the relevant employees with effect from 1 September 
each year, and the shares are subject to a three-year restriction 
period� 

The Foundation acquired the underlying stock of shares 
used in this plan from previous capital increases carried out by 
Bâloise  Holding  Ltd�  It  supplements  these  shareholdings  by 
purchasing shares in the market� The existing shareholdings 
will enable the Foundation to continue the Employee Incentive 
Plan over the coming years� The Foundation is run by a Board 
of Foundation that is predominantly independent of the Cor-
porate Executive Committee� The independent Board of Foun-
dation members are Peter Schwager (Chairman) and Professor 
Heinrich Koller (lawyer); the third member of the Board of 
Foundation is Andreas Burki (Deputy Head of Legal & Tax at 
Baloise)� 

5.8 Pension schemes
Baloise provides a range of pension solutions, which vary from 
country to country in line with local circumstances� In Swit-
zerland it offers different pension schemes for its insurance and 
banking employees� 

The Company provides its employees in Switzerland with 
an attractive occupational pension solution (Pillar 2) that meets 
the following objectives: 
 → It fulfils its insured employees’ requirements in the event 
of old age, death or disability and mitigates the resultant 
financial consequences by offering an occupational pen-
sion scheme based on the principle of social partnership� 
 → It enables its retirees to maintain the standard of living to 
which they are accustomed by providing them with a suf-
ficiently high level of income replacement (combination of 
Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 benefits) to compensate for their loss 
of earnings� 

 → The employer makes a disproportionately high contribu-
tion to the funding of its occupational pension scheme� 
 → Its pension solutions are future-proof, robust, predictable 

and properly costed� 

The general increase in life expectancy means that people’s pen-
sion pots have to last them longer to ensure that they receive the 
required level of pension� This situation is being exacerbated by 
the fact that pension fund assets are yielding lower returns ow-
ing to the performance of capital markets� In order to ensure 
that its pension fund is properly financed, Baloise reduced its 
annuity conversion rate from 6�2 per cent to 5�6 per cent and 
raised employer and employee contributions by an average of 
1�5 percentage points each with effect from 1 January 2013�

EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE PLAN

Number of shares subscribed

Restricted until

Subscription price per share (CHF)

Value of shares subscribed (CHF million)

Fair value of subscribed shares on subscription date (CHF million)

Employees entitled to participate

Participating employees

Subscribed shares per participant (average)

2012 
(restated)

173,799

2013

167,147

31.8.2015

31.8.2016

34.20

5.9

12.2

3,220

1,894

91.7

50.30

8.4

16.5

3,239

1,851

90.3

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including Remuneration Report

The Chairman of the Board of Directors and the members of 
the  Corporate  Executive  Committee  are  insured  under  the 
 pension scheme run by Baloise Insurance Ltd� They are subject 
to the same terms and conditions as all other insured office-
based members of staff� 

5.9 Remuneration paid to the members  

of the Board of Directors 
Please refer to the tables on pages 74 and 75� 

The members of the Board of Directors are paid a lump 
sum as remuneration for their work on the Board of Directors 
(CHF 125,000) and for additional functions that they perform 
on the Board of Directors’ committees (CHF 70,000 for the 
Chairman and CHF 50,000 for members)� These amounts pro-
vide appropriate compensation for the responsibility and work-
load involved in their various functions and have remained 
unchanged since 2008�

Since 2006 the members of the Board of Directors have 
received 25 per cent of their annual remuneration in the form 
of shares that are restricted for three years� Members of the 
Board of Directors receive a 10 per cent discount on the shares’ 
market price in line with the Share Subscription Plan available 
to senior executives� The members of the Board of Directors do 
not participate in any share ownership programmes that are 
predicated on the achievement of specific performance targets� 
No amounts receivable from current or previous members 

of the Board of Directors have been waived� 

The Chairman of the Board of Directors is also paid a 
fixed amount of remuneration and is not entitled to any vari-
able remuneration� Consequently, he receives no performance-
related remuneration, no performance pool payments and no 
allocation of PSUs� He is paid roughly a quarter of his remu-
neration in the form of shares, although he is free to choose 
each year whether he wishes to receive his shares under the 
Share Subscription Plan or the Employee Share Ownership Plan� 
The shares that he receives from the Share Subscription Plan 
are subject to a restriction period of five years� 

5.10 Remuneration paid to the members of the Corporate 

Executive Committee 
Please refer to the tables on pages 76 to 79� 

The remuneration paid to the members of the Corporate 
Executive Committee is governed by the remuneration proce-
dures and remuneration regulations formally adopted by the 
Board of Directors� It consists of the basic salary, the individ-

ual’s performance-related remuneration (target figure of 30 per 
cent  of  basic  salary)  and  the  performance  pool  (average  ex-
pected payment of roughly 50 per cent of basic salary), which 
– at the Remuneration Committee’s discretion – reflects the 
Company’s performance� In addition, the members of the Cor-
porate Executive Committee receive performance share units 
(PSUs) as a form of long-term variable remuneration� The Re-
muneration Committee specifies the type and amount of this 
remuneration� 

The members of the Corporate Executive Committee must 
receive at least 50 per cent of their short-term variable remu-
neration in the form of shares in order to ensure that their own 
interests are more strongly aligned with those of shareholders� 
This mandatory purchase of shares coupled with the shares al-
located under the PSU programme ensures that, compared with 
the market as a whole, a significant proportion of their com-
pensation is paid in the form of deferred remuneration� 

The personal targets and objectives used to determine the 
amount of performance-related remuneration received essen-
tially concern the successful management and leadership of the 
relevant Corporate Executive Committee members’ own cor-
porate division as well as major projects and initiatives for which 
this individual is responsible� The targets and objectives set for 
all members of the Corporate Executive Committee in 2013 
included ensuring that Baloise’s values-based culture continues 
to be firmly embedded throughout the organisation� Individu-
als’ targets and objectives are decided in collaboration with their 
line manager and are approved by the Remuneration Commit-
tee� For reasons of business confidentiality Baloise is unable to 
disclose any further details or quantified facts relating to indi-
viduals’ targets and objectives or the extent to which they have 
been achieved� 

The  Corporate  Executive  Committee  members’  remu-
neration is disclosed on pages 78 and 79 in accordance with the 
accrual principle� The table includes all forms of remuneration 
that were awarded for performance in 2013 even though indi-
vidual components are not paid until a later date� 

The total remuneration paid to the Corporate Executive 
Committee rose by 3�5 per cent� This increase was primarily 
attributable to the fact that the performance pool payments 
awarded for 2013 were raised to 120 per cent of their normally 
expected levels to reflect the Company’s strong operating per-
formance� The extent to which targets and objectives were achieved 
– which affects the performance-related pay awarded for indi-
vidual merit – also increased year on year�

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5.11 Loans to key personnel
Please refer to the table on page 80�

5.12 Shares and options held
Please refer to the tables on pages 81 and 82�

5.13 Amounts of total remuneration and variable remuneration 
Please refer to the table on page 83�

As requested by circular 10/1 issued by the Swiss Finan-
cial Market Supervisory Authority on the subject of remune-
ration, Baloise has published in the table on page 83 the amounts 
of total remuneration and variable remuneration and has dis-
closed the total amounts of outstanding deferred remunera- 
tion and the inducement payments and severance packages 
granted� These figures include all forms of remuneration award- 
ed for 2013 even if individual components are not paid until  
a later date�

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including Remuneration Report

REMUNERATION PAID TO THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN 2012

2012

CHF

Basic 
remuneration

Remuneration  
for additional  
functions

Additional  
remuneration

Total

Of which:  
in cash

Of which:  
in shares

Number  
of shares

Dr Andreas Burckhardt 

Chairman of the Board of Directors 

Dr Georg F. Krayer 

Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors

Remuneration Committee  
(Chair until April 2012, Deputy Chair since May 2012)

1,320,000

125,000

Chairman’s Committee and  
Investment Committee

Dr Michael Becker

Audit Committee

Investment Committee (since May 2012) 

Dr Andreas Beerli

Audit Committee

Dr Georges-Antoine de Boccard

Remuneration Committee

Dr Hansjörg Frei

Chairman’s Committee and  
Investment Committee (until April 2012)

Chairman's Committee (since May 2012) 

Audit Committee

Dr Klaus Jenny

Chairman's Committee and  
Investment Committee (until April 2012)

Remuneration Committee

Werner Kummer

Chair of the Audit Committee

Chairman's Committee 

Thomas Pleines

Remuneration Committee (since April 2012)

Dr Eveline Saupper

Remuneration Committee  
(Member until April 2012, Chair since May 2012)

Investment Committee (since May 2012)

125,000

125,000

125,000

125,000

62,500

125,000

83,333

125,000

0

50,000

50,000

90,000

50,000

33,333

50,000

50,000

23,333

33,333

50,000

35,000

25,000

70,000

33,333

33,333

63,334

33,333

0

0

0

0

0

0

1,320,000

1,008,060

311,940

4,985

315,000

241,288

73,712

1,124

208,333

164,591

43,742

667

175,000

131,258

43,742

175,000

131,258

43,742

231,666

170,480

61,186

667

667

933

0

122,500

61,314

61,186

933

0

0

0

228,333

179,607

48,726

743

116,667

116,667

0

0

221,667

177,925

43,742

667

Total for the Board of Directors  

2,340,833

773,332

0

3,114,166

2,382,448

731,718

11,386

Explanatory notes to the table
Thomas Pleines was voted in as a new member of the Board of Directors at the 2012 Annual General Meeting. Consequently, he only received a pro-rata share of the 
usual remuneration. Klaus Jenny left the Board of Directors at the same time, so he only received half of the usual remuneration.
Remuneration paid to former members and related parties  No remuneration was paid to individuals or companies who are related to members of the Board of Directors 
and to whom the arm’s-length principle does not apply. Related parties are spouses, life partners, children under 18 years, companies owned or controlled by directors, 
and legal entities or individuals who act as trustees for them. No amounts receivable from these persons were waived.
Shares  25 per cent of contractually agreed overall remuneration is paid in shares which remain restricted for three years. They are recognised at market value less  
10 per cent (CHF 65.58, in line with the Share Subscription Plan). Shares received by the Chairman of the Board of Directors amounted to 2,378 shares arising from the 
Share Subscription Plan (CHF 155,949, with a restriction period of five years instead of the usual three years) and 2,607 shares arising from the Employee Share 
Ownership Plan (CHF 155,991). Baloise also paid the regulatory employer contributions to the pension fund (CHF 210,818).

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including Remuneration Report

REMUNERATION PAID TO THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

2013

CHF

Dr Andreas Burckhardt 

Chairman of the Board of Directors 

Dr Georg F. Krayer 

Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors

Chairman’s Committee 

Investment Committee

Remuneration Committee  
(until 2 May 2013)

Dr Michael Becker

Investment Committee 

Audit and Risk Committee

Dr Andreas Beerli

Chairman’s Committee 

Audit and Risk Committee

Dr Georges-Antoine de Boccard

Remuneration Committee

Dr Hansjörg Frei (until 2 May 2013)

Chairman’s Committee 

Audit and Risk Committee

Karin Keller-Sutter (since 2 May 2013)

Remuneration Committee

Werner Kummer

Chairman's Committee 

Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee

Thomas Pleines

Audit and Risk Committee

Remuneration Committee

Dr Eveline Saupper

Investment Committee

Chair of the Remuneration Committee 

Basic 
remuneration

Remuneration  
for additional  
functions

Additional  
remuneration

Total

Of which:  
in cash

Of which:  
in shares

Number 
of shares

1,320,000

125,000

125,000

125,000

125,000

62,500

83,333

125,000

125,000

125,000

0

50,000

50,000

50,000

16,667

50,000

50,000

33,333

50,000

50,000

25,000

25,000

33,333

50,000

70,000

33,333

50,000

50,000

70,000

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1,320,000

1,008,045

311,955

4,393

291,667

210,490

81,177

1,104

225,000

168,823

56,177

764

208,333

164,656

43,677

594

175,000

131,323

43,677

112,500

56,323

56,177

594

764

116,666

116,666

0

0

245,000

183,823

61,177

832

208,333

164,656

43,677

594

245,000

183,823

61,177

832

Total for the Board of Directors  

2,340,833

806,666

0

3,147,499

2,388,628

758,871

10,471

Explanatory notes to the table
Karin Keller-Sutter was voted in as a new member of the Board of Directors at the 2013 Annual General Meeting. Consequently, she only received a pro-rata share of the 
usual remuneration. Hansjörg Frei left the Board of Directors at the same time, so he only received half of the usual remuneration.
Remuneration paid to former members and related parties  No remuneration was paid to individuals or companies who are related to members of the Board of Directors 
and to whom the arm’s-length principle does not apply. Related parties are spouses, life partners, children under 18 years, companies owned or controlled by directors, 
and legal entities or individuals who act as trustees for them. No amounts receivable from these persons were waived.
Shares  25 per cent of contractually agreed overall remuneration is paid in shares which remain restricted for three years. They are recognised at market value less  
10 per cent (CHF 73.53, in line with the Share Subscription Plan). Shares received by the Chairman of the Board of Directors amounted to 2,121 shares arising from the 
Share Subscription Plan (CHF 155,957, with a restriction period of five years instead of the usual three years) and 2,272 shares arising from the Employee Share 
Ownership Plan (CHF 155,998). Baloise also paid the regulatory employer contributions to the pension fund (CHF 216,725).

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including Remuneration Report

REMUNERATION PAID TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CORPORATE EXECUTIVE COMMIT TEE

Basic salary

Cash payment 
(fixed)

Cash payment

Share Subscription Plan 

Employee Share Ownership Plan

Performance share units (PSU)

Total variable remuneration

Granted in 2012

CHF

CHF

Number of 
shares

CHF

Number of 
shares

CHF

Number of PSUs

CHF

CHF

CHF

Number of 

shares

1,050,000

419,928

3,673

270,076

2,184

149,996

9,831

708,324

5,857

1,548,324

2,598,324

147 %

CHF

3,420

CHF

CHF

154,060

2,755,804

Total basic 

Variable 

salary plus 

remuneration as 

Variable remuneration

remuneration

basic salary

benefits Pension benefits

remuneration

variable 

percentage of 

Non-cash 

Total 

2012

Dr Martin Strobel

Group CEO 

Michael Müller

Head of Corporate Division International

German Egloff

Head of Corporate Division Finance

Dr Thomas Sieber

Head of Corporate Division Corporate Centre

Head of Corporate Division Switzerland 

Jan De Meulder

700,080

264,970

3,603

264,929

509,167

137,795

4,000

294,120

591,670

236,716

3,218

236,620

0

0

0

0

0

0

3,371

242,881

4,000

674,796

1,183,963

133 %

13,420

104,518

1,301,901

4,916

354,198

3,603

884,097

1,584,177

126 %

159,806

204,359

1,948,342

3,863

278,329

3,218

751,665

1,343,335

127 %

3,420

174,331

1,521,086

540,000

174,722

1,500

110,295

2,288

157,108

3,792

273,214

3,788

715,339

1,255,339

132 %

14,670

142,186

1,412,195

Martin Wenk

600,000

256,348

3,485

256,252

0

0

4,213

303,547

3,485

816,147

1,416,147

136 %

28,420

192,371

1,636,938

Head of Corporate Division Asset Management

Total for the Corporate Executive Committee

3,990,917

1,490,479

19,479

1,432,292

4,472

307,104

29,986

2,160,493

23,951

5,390,368

9,381,285

135 %

223,156

971,825

10,576,266

Explanatory notes to the table
Remuneration is disclosed in accordance with the accrual principle. The table includes all remuneration elements that were awarded for performance in 2012 even 
though individual components are not paid until a later date. Amounts are gross, before deduction of social security contributions etc.
Remuneration paid to former members and related parties  CHF 170,000 plus employer contributions to the pension fund was paid to a former member of the Corporate 
Executive Committee during the reporting year owing to a contractual obligation (basic salary payable until the end of the notice period). No remuneration on  
a non-arm’s-length basis was paid to companies or individuals who are related to the members of the Corporate Executive Committee. Related parties are spouses,  
life partners, children under 18 years, companies owned or controlled by directors, and legal entities or individuals who act as trustees for them. No amounts 
receivable from these persons were waived.
Share Subscription Plan Proportion of variable remuneration received directly as shares, which are measured at market value less 10 per cent markdown. Subscription 
price = CHF 73.53. 
Employee Share Ownership Plan Proportion of variable remuneration received as shares (excluding loans to purchase shares), which are measured at market value less 
dividend rights discounted over three years. Subscription price = CHF 68.67.
Performance share units (PSUs)   PSUs allocated in 2010 were converted into shares as at 1 January 2013. At the end of the vesting period on 31 December 2012,  
the performance of Baloise shares ranked 25th out of the 34 companies in the peer group (STOXX Europe 600 Insurance Index), so it was in the third quartile.  
The performance multiplier was therefore 0.58, and the 22,504 outstanding PSUs held by the members of the Corporate Executive Committee were converted  
into 13,053 shares (measured at a share price of CHF 78.50 on 31 December 2012). Half of these shares remain restricted for a further three years.  
The former Chairman of the Board of Directors received 5,392 shares from the conversion of 9,297 PSUs (market value: CHF 423,272). 
The remuneration report for 2013 shows that the PSUs granted to the members of the Corporate Executive Committee have for the first time been measured at their 
value on the grant date rather than at their value on the vesting date. The table containing the prior-year figures has been restated accordingly to ensure that  
a meaningful year-on-year comparison can be made. The prior-year table therefore shows the PSUs at their value on the grant date, which means that this table differs 
from the list published in the remuneration report for 2012.

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including Remuneration Report

REMUNERATION PAID TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CORPORATE EXECUTIVE COMMIT TEE

Basic salary

Cash payment 

2012

Dr Martin Strobel

Group CEO 

Michael Müller

Jan De Meulder

German Egloff

Head of Corporate Division Switzerland 

Head of Corporate Division International

Head of Corporate Division Finance

Dr Thomas Sieber

Head of Corporate Division Corporate Centre

Head of Corporate Division Asset Management

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Variable remuneration

Total basic 
salary plus 
variable 
remuneration

Variable 
remuneration as 
percentage of 
basic salary

Non-cash 

benefits Pension benefits

Total 
remuneration

(fixed)

Cash payment

Share Subscription Plan 

Employee Share Ownership Plan

Performance share units (PSU)

Total variable remuneration

Granted in 2012

CHF

CHF

Number of 

shares

CHF

Number of 

shares

CHF

Number of PSUs

CHF

Number of 
shares

CHF

CHF

1,050,000

419,928

3,673

270,076

2,184

149,996

9,831

708,324

5,857

1,548,324

2,598,324

147 %

CHF

3,420

CHF

CHF

154,060

2,755,804

509,167

137,795

4,000

294,120

3,371

242,881

4,000

674,796

1,183,963

133 %

13,420

104,518

1,301,901

700,080

264,970

3,603

264,929

4,916

354,198

3,603

884,097

1,584,177

126 %

159,806

204,359

1,948,342

591,670

236,716

3,218

236,620

3,863

278,329

3,218

751,665

1,343,335

127 %

3,420

174,331

1,521,086

540,000

174,722

1,500

110,295

2,288

157,108

3,792

273,214

3,788

715,339

1,255,339

132 %

14,670

142,186

1,412,195

Martin Wenk

600,000

256,348

3,485

256,252

4,213

303,547

3,485

816,147

1,416,147

136 %

28,420

192,371

1,636,938

Total for the Corporate Executive Committee

3,990,917

1,490,479

19,479

1,432,292

4,472

307,104

29,986

2,160,493

23,951

5,390,368

9,381,285

135 %

223,156

971,825

10,576,266

Non-cash benefits   Based on all remuneration elements required to be declared on the Swiss salary certificate, including long-service awards, taxable benefits relating 
to shares received in connection with the Employee Incentive Plan (max. 100 shares per annum; in previous years the amount was reported in a separate column), travel 
and accommodation costs and non-cash benefits (use of a company vehicle) granted to a member of the Corporate Executive Committee with a second home abroad.
Pension benefits  Employer contributions to the pension fund and maintenance of disability insurance cover in the home country of a member of the Corporate 
Executive Committee with a second home abroad.

Explanatory notes to the table

Remuneration is disclosed in accordance with the accrual principle. The table includes all remuneration elements that were awarded for performance in 2012 even 

though individual components are not paid until a later date. Amounts are gross, before deduction of social security contributions etc.

Remuneration paid to former members and related parties  CHF 170,000 plus employer contributions to the pension fund was paid to a former member of the Corporate 

Executive Committee during the reporting year owing to a contractual obligation (basic salary payable until the end of the notice period). No remuneration on  

a non-arm’s-length basis was paid to companies or individuals who are related to the members of the Corporate Executive Committee. Related parties are spouses,  

life partners, children under 18 years, companies owned or controlled by directors, and legal entities or individuals who act as trustees for them. No amounts 

receivable from these persons were waived.

price = CHF 73.53. 

Share Subscription Plan Proportion of variable remuneration received directly as shares, which are measured at market value less 10 per cent markdown. Subscription 

Employee Share Ownership Plan Proportion of variable remuneration received as shares (excluding loans to purchase shares), which are measured at market value less 

dividend rights discounted over three years. Subscription price = CHF 68.67.

Performance share units (PSUs)   PSUs allocated in 2010 were converted into shares as at 1 January 2013. At the end of the vesting period on 31 December 2012,  

the performance of Baloise shares ranked 25th out of the 34 companies in the peer group (STOXX Europe 600 Insurance Index), so it was in the third quartile.  

The performance multiplier was therefore 0.58, and the 22,504 outstanding PSUs held by the members of the Corporate Executive Committee were converted  

into 13,053 shares (measured at a share price of CHF 78.50 on 31 December 2012). Half of these shares remain restricted for a further three years.  

The former Chairman of the Board of Directors received 5,392 shares from the conversion of 9,297 PSUs (market value: CHF 423,272). 

The remuneration report for 2013 shows that the PSUs granted to the members of the Corporate Executive Committee have for the first time been measured at their 

value on the grant date rather than at their value on the vesting date. The table containing the prior-year figures has been restated accordingly to ensure that  

a meaningful year-on-year comparison can be made. The prior-year table therefore shows the PSUs at their value on the grant date, which means that this table differs 

from the list published in the remuneration report for 2012.

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REMUNERATION PAID TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CORPORATE EXECUTIVE COMMIT TEE

Basic salary 

Cash payment 
(fixed)

Cash payment

Share Subscription Plan 

Employee Share Ownership Plan

Performance share units (PSUs)

Total variable remuneration

Variable remuneration

remuneration

of basic salary

Non-cash 

benefits

Pension 

benefits

Total 

remuneration

Total basic 

salary plus 

Variable 

remuneration 

variable 

as percentage 

CHF

CHF

Number of 
shares

CHF

Number of 
shares

1,000,000

469,501

4,568

469,499

544,167

217,514

3,174

326,224

772,724

304,628

2,962

304,434

600,000

284,408

2,767

284,392

0

0

0

0

CHF

0

0

0

0

Granted in 2013

Number of PSUs

CHF

CHF

CHF

Number of 

shares

6,540

501,553

4,568

1,440,553

2,440,553

144 %

CHF

5,030

CHF

CHF

159,477

2,605,060

3,062

234,825

3,174

778,563

1,322,730

143 %

5,030

122,092

1,449,852

4,164

319,337

2,962

928,399

1,701,123

120 %

122,261

309,838

2,133,222

3,568

273,630

2,767

842,430

1,442,430

140 %

5,030

200,369

1,647,829

540,000

235,649

1,273

130,839

1,557

157,052

3,211

246,252

2,830

769,792

1,309,792

143 %

5,030

153,590

1,468,412

2013

Dr Martin Strobel

Group CEO 

Michael Müller

Head of Corporate Division Switzerland 

Jan De Meulder

Head of SBU Germany

German Egloff

Head of Corporate Division Finance

Dr Thomas Sieber

Head of Corporate Division Corporate Centre

Martin Wenk

600,000

283,147

2,753

282,953

0

0

3,568

273,630

2,753

839,730

1,439,730

140 %

5,030

200,369

1,645,129

Head of Corporate Division Asset Management

Total for the Corporate Executive Committee

4,056,891

1,794,847

17,497

1,798,341

1,557

157,052

24,113

1,849,227

19,054

5,599,467

9,656,358

138 %

147,411

1,145,735

10,949,504

Explanatory notes to the table 
Remuneration is disclosed in accordance with the accrual principle. The table includes all remuneration elements that were awarded for performance in 2013 even 
though individual components are not paid until a later date. Amounts are gross, before deduction of social security contributions etc.
Remuneration paid to former members and related parties  No remuneration was paid on a non-arm’s-length basis to companies or individuals related to the members 
of the Corporate Executive Committee. Related parties are spouses, life partners, children under 18 years, companies owned or controlled by directors, and legal 
entities or individuals who act as trustees for them. No amounts receivable from these persons were waived.
Share Subscription Plan Proportion of variable remuneration received directly as shares, which are measured at market value less 10 per cent markdown. Subscription 
price = CHF 102.78.
Employee Share Ownership Plan Proportion of variable remuneration received as shares (excluding loans to purchase shares), which are measured at market value less 
dividend rights discounted over three years. Subscription price = CHF 100.87.
Performance share units (PSUs)   The remuneration report for 2013 shows that the PSUs granted to the members of the Corporate Executive Committee have for the first 
time been measured at their value on the grant date rather than at their value on the vesting date. The table containing the prior-year figures has been restated 
accordingly to ensure that a meaningful year-on-year comparison can be made. The prior-year table therefore shows the PSUs at their value on the grant date, which 
means that this table differs from the list published in the remuneration report for 2012.

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including Remuneration Report

REMUNERATION PAID TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CORPORATE EXECUTIVE COMMIT TEE

Basic salary 

Cash payment 

2013

Dr Martin Strobel

Group CEO 

Michael Müller

Jan De Meulder

Head of SBU Germany

German Egloff

Head of Corporate Division Switzerland 

Head of Corporate Division Finance

Dr Thomas Sieber

Head of Corporate Division Corporate Centre

Head of Corporate Division Asset Management

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Variable remuneration

Total basic 
salary plus 
variable 
remuneration

Variable 
remuneration 
as percentage 
of basic salary

Non-cash 
benefits

Pension 
benefits

Total 
remuneration

(fixed)

Cash payment

Share Subscription Plan 

Employee Share Ownership Plan

Performance share units (PSUs)

Total variable remuneration

Granted in 2013

CHF

CHF

Number of 

shares

CHF

Number of 

shares

CHF

Number of PSUs

CHF

Number of 
shares

CHF

CHF

1,000,000

469,501

4,568

469,499

6,540

501,553

4,568

1,440,553

2,440,553

144 %

CHF

5,030

CHF

CHF

159,477

2,605,060

544,167

217,514

3,174

326,224

3,062

234,825

3,174

778,563

1,322,730

143 %

5,030

122,092

1,449,852

772,724

304,628

2,962

304,434

4,164

319,337

2,962

928,399

1,701,123

120 %

122,261

309,838

2,133,222

600,000

284,408

2,767

284,392

3,568

273,630

2,767

842,430

1,442,430

140 %

5,030

200,369

1,647,829

540,000

235,649

1,273

130,839

1,557

157,052

3,211

246,252

2,830

769,792

1,309,792

143 %

5,030

153,590

1,468,412

Martin Wenk

600,000

283,147

2,753

282,953

3,568

273,630

2,753

839,730

1,439,730

140 %

5,030

200,369

1,645,129

Total for the Corporate Executive Committee

4,056,891

1,794,847

17,497

1,798,341

1,557

157,052

24,113

1,849,227

19,054

5,599,467

9,656,358

138 %

147,411

1,145,735

10,949,504

Explanatory notes to the table 

Remuneration is disclosed in accordance with the accrual principle. The table includes all remuneration elements that were awarded for performance in 2013 even 

though individual components are not paid until a later date. Amounts are gross, before deduction of social security contributions etc.

Remuneration paid to former members and related parties  No remuneration was paid on a non-arm’s-length basis to companies or individuals related to the members 

of the Corporate Executive Committee. Related parties are spouses, life partners, children under 18 years, companies owned or controlled by directors, and legal 

entities or individuals who act as trustees for them. No amounts receivable from these persons were waived.

Share Subscription Plan Proportion of variable remuneration received directly as shares, which are measured at market value less 10 per cent markdown. Subscription 

price = CHF 102.78.

Employee Share Ownership Plan Proportion of variable remuneration received as shares (excluding loans to purchase shares), which are measured at market value less 

dividend rights discounted over three years. Subscription price = CHF 100.87.

Performance share units (PSUs)   The remuneration report for 2013 shows that the PSUs granted to the members of the Corporate Executive Committee have for the first 

time been measured at their value on the grant date rather than at their value on the vesting date. The table containing the prior-year figures has been restated 

accordingly to ensure that a meaningful year-on-year comparison can be made. The prior-year table therefore shows the PSUs at their value on the grant date, which 

means that this table differs from the list published in the remuneration report for 2012.

Non-cash benefits Based on all remuneration elements required to be declared on the Swiss salary certificate, including long-service awards, taxable benefits relating 
to shares received in connection with the Employee Incentive Plan (max. 100 shares per annum), accommodation costs and non-cash benefits (use of a company 
vehicle) granted to a Corporate Executive Committee member residing abroad.
Pension benefits  Employer contributions to the pension fund or, alternatively, a compensatory payment in lieu of employer and employee contributions to the Swiss 
social security scheme and the pension fund (neither of these is payable if the person concerned is working outside Switzerland) and maintenance of disability 
insurance cover in the home country of a Corporate Executive Committee member residing abroad.

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including Remuneration Report

LOANS AND ADVANCES GRANTED TO MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THE CORPORATE EXECUTIVE COMMIT TEE (AS AT 31 DECEMBER)

Mortgages

Loans pertaining  
to the Employee  
Share Ownership Plan

Other loans

2012

2013

2012

2013

2012

2013

2012

Total

2013

CHF

Dr Andreas Burckhardt

Chairman 

Dr Georg F. Krayer

Vice-Chairman 

Dr Michael Becker 

Member

Dr Andreas Beerli

Member

Dr Georges-Antoine de Boccard

Member

Dr Hansjörg Frei

Member (until 2 May 2013)

Karin Keller-Sutter

0

0

0

0

0

0

Member (since 2 May 2013)

n/a

Werner Kummer

Member

Thomas Pleines

Member

Dr Eveline Saupper

Member

Total for the Board of Directors 

Corporate Executive  
Committee member  
with the highest  
outstanding loan

Dr Thomas Sieber 

Head of Corporate Division Corporate 
Centre

Other members of the  
Corporate Executive  
Committee

Total for the Corporate Executive 
Committee

0

 1,479,108 

2,403,689

0

0

0

0

n/a

0

0

0

0

0 

0

0

0

0

0

n/a

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

n/a

0

0

0

0

1,479,108 

2,403,689 

0

0

0

0 

1,000,000

1,000,000

2,454,976

2,497,866

1,575,000

2,275,000

4,294,760

3,079,634

2,575,000

3,275,000

6,749,736

5,577,500

0

0

0

0

0

0

n/a

0

0

0

0 

0 

0 

0 

0

0

0

0

0

n/a

0

0

0

0

0 

1,479,108

2,403,689

0

0

0

0

0

n/a

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

n/a

0

0

0

0

1,479,108 

2,403,689 

0 

3,454,976

 3,497,866 

0 

5,869,760

 5,354,634 

0 

9,324,736

 8,852,500 

Explanatory notes to the table: 
Loans and advances  No loans or advances were granted at non-market terms and conditions 
a) to former members of the Board of Directors or Corporate Executive Committee,
b) to individuals or companies related to members of the Board of Directors or Corporate Executive Committee. Related parties are spouses, life partners, children 
under 18 years, companies owned or controlled by directors, and legal entities or individuals who act as trustees for them.
Mortgages  Mortgages of up to CHF 1 million are granted to staff at the following terms and conditions: 1 per cent below the customer interest rate for variable-rate 
mortgages and at a preferential interest rate for fixed-rate mortgages.
Loans associated with the Employee Share Ownership Plan  Loans to increase the effect of the Employee Share Ownership Plan (see “5.6. Share Subscription Plan  
and Employee Share Ownership Plan”). Interest is charged on loans at a market rate (2013: 3 per cent), and they have a term of three years. 
Other loans  There are no policy loans.

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SHARES HELD BY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (AS AT 31 DECEMBER)

Discretionary shares

Restricted shares

Total share ownership 

Percentage of issued share capital

2012

2013

2012

2013

2012

2013

2012

2013

Quantity

Dr Andreas Burckhardt

Chairman 

Dr Georg F. Krayer

Vice-Chairman 

Dr Michael Becker 

Member

Dr Andreas Beerli

Member

Dr Georges-Antoine de 
Boccard

Member

Dr Hansjörg Frei

Member  
(until 2 May 2013)

Karin Keller-Sutter

Member  
(since 2 May 2013)

Werner Kummer

Member

Thomas Pleines

Member

Dr Eveline Saupper

Member

Total for the Board 
of Directors 

Percentage of issued 
share capital

1,643

2,241

31,024

47,441

32,667

49,682

0.065 %

0.099 %

32,496

33,505

4,027

4,122

36,523

37,627

0.076 %

0.075 %

1,000

1,000

2,197

2,961

3,197

3,961

0.006 %

0.008 %

0

0

0

0

1,667

2,261

1,667

2,261

0.003 %

0.005 %

1,667

2,261

1,667

2,261

0.003 %

0.005 %

1,448

n/a

3,514

n/a

4,962

n/a

0.010 %

n/a

n/a

0

n/a

1,000

n/a

1,000

n/a

0.002 %

926

3,593

3,001

3,166

3,927

6,759

0.008 %

0.014 %

0

0

1,000

1,594

1,000

1,594

0.002 %

0.003 %

1,643

39,156

2,241

42,580

2,795

50,892

3,029

67,835

4,438

90,048

5,270

110,415

0.009 %

0.180 %

0.011 %

0.221 %

0.078 %

0.085 %

0.102 %

0.136 %

0.180 %

0.221 %

Explanatory notes to the table: 
Shareholdings  Include shares held by related parties (spouses, life partners, children under 18 years, companies owned or controlled by directors, and legal entities 
or individuals who act as trustees for them).
Restricted shares  Shares received in connection with share-based remuneration programmes are subject to a restriction period of three years. The restriction period 
for shares received by the Chairman of the Board of Directors in connection with the Share Subscription Plan is five years. Section 20 of the Articles of Association also 
requires all members of the Board of Directors to lodge 1,000 shares with the Company for the duration of their term of appointment (qualifying shares).
Options  Members of the Board of Directors do not hold any options on Baloise shares.

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SHARES HELD BY MEMBERS OF THE CORPORATE EXECUTIVE COMMIT TEE  
(AS AT 31 DECEMBER)

Quantity

Dr Martin Strobel

Group CEO 

Jan De Meulder

Head of SBU Germany

German Egloff

Discretionary shares

Restricted shares

Total share ownership 

Percentage of issued  
share capital

Prospective 
entitlements (PSUs)

2012

2013

2012

2013

2012

2013

2012

2013

2012

2013

0

0

51,361

54,705

51,361

54,705

0.103 % 0.109 % 24,528

23,514

3,313

6,229

12,319

13,365

15,632

19,594

0.031 % 0.039 % 12,830

12,927

Head of Corporate Division Finance

11,513

15,858

29,984

20,811

41,497

36,669

0.083 % 0.073 % 10,081

10,453

Michael Müller

Head of Corporate Division Switzerland

2,621

2,837

5,907

8,908

8,528

11,745

0.017 % 0.023 %

5,462

7,461

Dr Thomas Sieber 

Head of Corporate Division Corporate 
Centre

Martin Wenk

Head of Corporate Division  
Asset Management

Total for the members  
of the Corporate Executive Committee

Percentage of issued  
share capital

2,100

2,000

48,262

49,337

50,362

51,337

0.101 % 0.103 %

9,898

9,971

8,500

11,500

37,917

22,743

46,417

34,243

0.093 % 0.068 % 10,996

11,078

28,047

38,424 185,750 169,869 213,797 208,293

0.428 % 0.417 % 73,795

75,404

0.056 % 0.077 % 0.372 % 0.340 % 0.428 % 0.417 %

Explanatory notes to the table: 
Shareholdings  Include shares held by related parties (spouses, life partners, children under 18 years, companies owned or controlled by directors, and legal entities 
or individuals who act as trustees for them). 
Restricted shares  Includes loan-financed shares connected with the Employee Share Ownership Plan. Shares received in connection with share-based remuneration 
programmes are subject to a restriction period of three years. 
Options  Options held in connection with the Employee Share Ownership Plan are not reported here because they were written to hedge loans and do not originate from 
a separate option plan. Each put option is also offset by a countervailing call option.
Prospective entitlements (PSUs)  Number of allocated performance share units (granted as at 1 January 2011, 1 March 2012 and 1 March 2013).

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TOTAL AND VARIABLE REMUNERATION IN THE BALOISE GROUP

In cash 

In shares

Prospective 
entitlements

Total

In cash

In shares

Prospective 
entitlements

2012

2013

Total

749.8

6.0

6.4

762.2

776.2

6.2

5.6

788.0

Total remuneration 

CHF million

Total variable remuneration (total pool)

CHF million

Number of beneficiaries

152.8

6,634

6.0

167

6.4

72

165.2

167.0

5,590

6.2

151

5.6

69

178.8

Of which commission paid to insurance 
sales force

CHF million

108.0

0.0

0.0

108.0

111.4

0.0

0.0

111.4

Of which other forms of variable  
remuneration

CHF million

44.8

6.0

6.4

57.2

55.5

6.2

5.6

67.3

Total outstanding  
deferred remuneration 

CHF million

Debits / credits for remuneration  
for previous reporting periods  
recognised in profit or loss 

0.0

61.5

20.9

82.4

0.0

93.4

19.9

113.3

CHF million

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Total inducement payments  
made

CHF million

Number of beneficiaries

Total severance payments  
made

CHF million

Number of beneficiaries

0.1

7

3.2

38

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.1

3.2

0.1

4

7.9

74

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

Explanatory notes to the table: 
The table includes all remuneration elements awarded for each year, even if individual components are not paid until a later date.
Total remuneration  All taxable benefits that the financial institution provides to persons directly or indirectly for the work they have performed for it in connection with 
their employment or directorship. They include cash payments, non-cash benefits, expenditure that creates or increases entitlements to pension benefits, pensions, 
allotment of shareholdings, conversion rights and options rights, and debt waivers. 
Variable remuneration  Part of total remuneration, the amount or payment of which is at the discretion of the financial institution or which depends on the occurrence of 
agreed conditions. It includes performance-related or results-based remuneration such as fees and commissions. Inducement and severance payments also fall under 
the definition of variable remuneration.
Total pool  All the variable remuneration that a financial institution allocates for a year regardless of its form, any contractual undertaking regarding allocation and 
payout dates, and any terms and conditions attached. Inducement and severance payments made in the relevant year should be included in the total pool.
Inducement payment  One-off payment agreed when an employment contract is signed. Payments to compensate for lost entitlement to remuneration from a former 
employer also count as inducement pay. 
Severance payment  Remuneration agreed in connection with the termination of a contract of employment.

0.1

7.9

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6. SHAREHOLDER PARTICIPATION RIGHTS

Voting rights
The share capital of Bâloise Holding consists solely of registered 
shares�  Each  share  confers  the  right  to  one  vote�  No  shares 
carry preferential voting rights� To ensure a broad-based share-
holder structure and to protect minority shareholders, no share-
holder is registered as holding more than 2 per cent of voting 
rights, regardless of the size of their shareholding� The Board 
of Directors can approve exceptions to this provision if a major-
ity of two-thirds of all its members is in favour (section 5 of the 
Articles of Association)� There are currently no exceptions� Each 
shareholder can authorise another shareholder to exercise his 
or her voting rights by appointing a proxy in writing� When 
exercising voting rights, no shareholder can accumulate more 
than one fifth of the voting shares at the Annual General Meet-
ing directly or indirectly for his or her own votes or proxy votes 
(section 16 of the Articles of Association)�

Statutory quorums
The Annual General Meeting is quorate regardless of the num-
ber of shareholders present or proxy votes represented, subject 
to the mandatory cases stated by law (section 17 of the Articles 
of Association)� 

The consent of at least three-quarters of the votes repre-
sented at the Annual General Meeting is required to suspend 
statutory restrictions on voting rights� The votes must also rep-
resent at least one third of the total shares issued by the Com-
pany� This qualified majority also applies to the cases specified 
in section 17 (3) lit� a–h of the Articles of Association� Otherwise, 
resolutions are adopted by a simple majority of the votes cast, 
subject to compulsory legal provisions (section 17 of the Articles 
of Association)�

Convening the Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting generally takes place in April, but 
must be held within six months of the end of the previous finan-
cial year� Bâloise Holding’s financial year ends on 31 December� 
The Annual General Meeting is convened at least 20 days before 
the date of the meeting� Each registered shareholder receives a 
personal invitation, which includes the agenda� The invitation 
and the agenda are published in the Swiss Official Gazette of 
Commerce, in various newspapers and on the internet� 

The Annual General Meeting, the Board of Directors or 
the external auditors decide whether to convene extraordinary 
general meetings� Furthermore, legal provisions also require 

the Board of Directors to convene an extraordinary general 
meeting if requested by the shareholders (section 11 of the Ar-
ticles of Association)� Article 699 (3) of the Swiss Code of Ob-
ligations (OR) states such requests must be made by sharehold-
ers who represent at least 10 per cent of the share capital�

Requesting agenda items
Article 699 (3) OR states that one or more shareholders who 
together represent shares of at least CHF 100,000 can request 
items to be put on the agenda for debate� Such requests must be 
submitted in writing to the Board of Directors at least six weeks 
before the ordinary Annual General Meeting is held, giving 
details of the motions to be put to the AGM (section 14 of the 
Articles of Association)�

Entry in the share register
Shareholders are entitled to vote at the Annual General Meeting 
provided they are registered in the share register as sharehold-
ers with voting rights on the cut-off date stated by the Board of 
Directors in the invitation� The cut-off date should be several 
days  before  the  Annual  General  Meeting  (section  16  of  the  
Articles of Association)�

Section 5 of the Articles of Association determines wheth-
er nominee entries are permissible, taking into account any 
percentage limits and entry requirements� The procedures and 
requirements for suspending and restricting transferability are 
set out in the provisions in section 5 and section 17�
www.baloise.com  →  Responsibility   
→  Corporate Governance →  Rules and regulations
www.baloise.com  →  Investor relations  →  IR Agenda

7. CHANGES OF CONTROL AND POISON-PILL MEASURES
Shareholders or groups of shareholders acting together by agree-
ment are required to issue a takeover bid to all other sharehold-
ers when they have acquired 33 per cent of all Baloise shares� 
Bâloise Holding has not made any use of the option to deviate 
from or waive this regulation� There is no statutory opting-out 
clause or opting-up clause as defined by the Swiss Federal Act 
on Stock Exchanges and Securities Trading (Börsengesetz)� 

Like the Chairman of the Board of Directors, all six mem-
bers of the Corporate Executive Committee have a notice pe-
riod of twelve months� The following arrangement and the cor-
responding  contracts  were  rescinded  at  the  end  of  2013  in 
accordance with the statutory regulations applicable from 2014� 
The Chairman of the Board of Directors, the members of the 

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Corporate Executive Committee and three other members of 
senior management were also entitled to severance pay equiva-
lent to one year’s salary (including variable remuneration) after 
a change of control or merger, should the employer (or, in cer-
tain circumstances, the employee) terminate their employment 
contract within twelve months of the takeover or merger� 

8. EXTERNAL AUDITORS
The external auditors are elected annually by the Annual Gen-
eral Meeting� PricewaterhouseCoopers AG (PwC) or its prede-
cessor  Schweizerische  Treuhandgesellschaft  /  STG-Coopers  
& Lybrand has audited Bâloise Holding since 1962� Mr Peter 
Lüssi has held the post of auditor-in-charge since 2013� In ac-
cordance with article 730a (2) OR, the role of auditor-in-charge 
is rotated every seven years� PwC has been the external auditing 
firm for almost all Group companies since 2005� 

PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS' FEES

CHF  
(rounded to the nearest thousand, including 
outlays and VAT)

Audit fees

Consulting fees

Tax consultancy and legal advice

Corporate finance

Insurance-specific consulting

Operational consulting

Business and IT consulting

2012

2013

6,463,000

5,330,000

1,000,000

638,000

44,000

205,000

31,000

82,000

663,000

533,000

83,000

22,000

15,000

10,000

Total

7,463,000

5,993,000

The audit fees include fees for engagements with a direct or indirect connection to a 
current or future audit engagement and fees for audit-related activities (including support 
with accounting issues, regulatory issues and statutory special audits).

At its meetings, the Audit and Risk Committee receives detailed 
documentation about the external auditors’ findings, primarily 
at meetings about the annual and half-year financial statements�
The performance of the external auditors and their inter-
action with Group Internal Audit, Risk Management and Com-
pliance are assessed by the Audit and Risk Committee� The 
Audit and Risk Committee’s discussions with the external au-
ditors focus on the audit work the latter have undertaken, their 
reports and the material findings and most important issues 
raised during the audit�

The Audit and Risk Committee submits proposals to the Board 
of Directors regarding the external auditors to be elected by the 
Annual General Meeting and makes recommendations  regarding 
their fees� Before the start of the annual audit, it reviews the scope 
of the audit and suggests areas that require special attention� 
The Audit and Risk Committee reviews the external auditors’ 
fees on an annual basis� The criteria for assessing the external 
auditors are:
 → the competence of the audit team 
 → technical and industry expertise
 → understanding of corporate strategy
 → complete independence when conducting the audit
 → the corporate culture of the audit firm (shared values)
 → timely reporting
 → appropriate level of fees
 → compliance with relevant statutory, professional and  

ethical standards

 → consistent auditing methodology�

The Audit and Risk Committee requests checks on the 
appropriateness of the services performed by the external audi-
tors that are not connected with their audit work on the basis 
of the following criteria:
 → the compatibility of services with the external audit remit 

(independence)

 → competence and technical and industry expertise
 → service quality
 → appropriate level of fees�
A written instruction requires material services unconnected 
with audit work to be approved in advance by Group Internal 
Audit� As part of the approval process for the engagement of 
auditors, the guarantee of independence is first reviewed by the 
auditor-in-charge and then verified by the head of Group In-
ternal Audit� The operational unit approves the engagement and 
takes commercial responsibility for it�

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9. SIGNIFICANT AMENDMENTS TO THE ARTICLES OF ASSOCIA-

TION SUBMITTED TO THE 2014 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Due to the Ordinance Against Excessive Remuneration at Pub-
licly  Listed  Companies  (VegüV),  which  came  into  force  on  
1 January 2014, various amendments to the Articles of Asso-
ciation will be submitted to the 2014 Annual General Meeting 
for approval� They largely relate to the following points:
 → Annual election of the

 → Teleconferences for financial analysts and investors take 
place when the annual and half-year financial statements 
are published� The events can then be downloaded as  
podcasts�

 → Shareholders are informed about business during the year 

at the Annual General Meeting� 

 → Roadshows are regularly staged at various financial  

centres�

– members of the Board of Directors
– Chairman of the Board of Directors
– members of the Remuneration Committee
– independent proxy

Ongoing relationships are maintained with analysts, investors 
and the media� Full details of individual Baloise events can be 
accessed at www�baloise�com�

 → Approval of the remuneration of the Board of Directors 

and the Corporate Executive Committee

 → Functions and responsibilities of the Remuneration  

Information about Baloise shares
Information about Baloise shares begins on page 8�
www.baloise.com  →  Investor relations  →  Baloise share

Information about Baloise bonds
Information about Baloise bonds in circulation can be found 
on pages 213 and 249�
www.baloise.com  →  Investor relations  →  Bonds

Financial calendar
Important dates for investors are available at www�baloise�com� 
This is where the publication dates for the annual and half-year 
reports are listed and where the date of the Annual General 
Meeting, the AGM invitation, the closing date for the share 
register and any ex-dividend dates are published�
www.baloise.com  →  Investor relations  →  IR Agenda

Availability of documents
Annual and half-year reports, media releases, disclosures, recent 
announcements, presentations and other documents are avail-
able to the public at www�baloise�com� Please register for the 
latest corporate communications at www�baloise�com/mailing-
list�
www.baloise.com  →  Media relations  →  Media kits

Committee

 → Term of the employment contracts of the members of the 

Corporate Executive Committee�

Further amendments to the Articles of Association that are 
required because of the VegüV will be submitted to the 2015 
Annual General Meeting�

10. INFORMATION POLICY

Information principles
The Baloise Group provides shareholders, potential investors, 
employees,  customers  and  the  public  with  information  on  
a regular, open and comprehensive basis� All registered share-
holders  each  receive  a  summary  of  the  annual  report  once  
a year and a letter to shareholders every six months, which pro-
vide a review of business� The full annual report is sent to share-
holders on request� All publications are simultaneously avail-
able to the public� All market participants receive the same 
information�  Baloise  uses  technologies  such  as  webcasting, 
podcasting and teleconferences to make financial analysts’ meet-
ings generally accessible�

Information events
Baloise provides detailed information about its business ac-
tivities as follows:
 → Details about its financial performance, targets, strategies 
and operations are provided at press conferences covering 
its annual and half-year financial statements�

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Contact 
Corporate Governance
Baloise Group
Andreas Eugster
Aeschengraben 21
4002 Basel, Switzerland
Tel� +41 (0)58 285 84 50
andreas�eugster@baloise�com

Investor Relations
Baloise Group
Marc Kaiser
Aeschengraben 21
4002 Basel, Switzerland
Tel� +41 (0)58 285 81 81
marc�kaiser@baloise�com

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18  Review of operating performance
38  Sustainable business management
50  Corporate governance
90  Financial Report
244  Bâloise Holding Ltd
258  Notes 

Financial Report

Consolidated balance sheet  ���������������������������������������������������������������� 90
Consolidated income statement  ������������������������������������������������������� 92
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income  ����������������� 93
Consolidated cash flow statement  ��������������������������������������������������� 94
Consolidated statement of changes in equity  ���������������������������� 96

Reconciliation between the gross investment in financial  
leases and the present value of minimum lease payments  ���  212
Financial liabilities  ������������������������������������������������������������������������������  213
Provisions  ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������  214
Insurance liabilities �����������������������������������������������������������������������������  214

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  ����������������������������������������������������������������������  98
Basis of preparation  ������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 98
Application of new financial reporting standards  
and restatements  �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 98
Consolidation principles and accounting policies  ���������������  106
Critical accounting principles and estimate uncertainties  ���  121
Management of insurance risk and financial risk  ����������������  124
Basis of consolidation  ������������������������������������������������������������������������  163
Information on operating segments (segment reporting)  ���  165

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET  �������������������  170
Property, plant and equipment  ������������������������������������������������������  170
Intangible assets  �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������  172
Investments in associates  �����������������������������������������������������������������  175
Investment property  ���������������������������������������������������������������������������  177
Financial assets  �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������  178
Mortgages and loans  ���������������������������������������������������������������������������  184
Derivative financial instruments  ��������������������������������������������������  185
Receivables  ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������  186
Reinsurance assets  �������������������������������������������������������������������������������  187
Receivables from reinsurers  ������������������������������������������������������������  187
Employee benefits  ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������  188
Deferred income taxes  �����������������������������������������������������������������������  198
Other assets  ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������  200
Non-current assets held for sale  
and discontinued operations  ����������������������������������������������������������  200
Share capital  �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������  201
Technical reserves (gross)  ����������������������������������������������������������������  202
Liabilities arising from banking business  
and financial contracts  ������������������������������������������������������������������������  211

NOTES TO THE
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT ������������������������������������������  215
Premiums earned and policy fees �������������������������������������������������  215
Income from investments for  
own account and at own risk  ����������������������������������������������������������� 215
Realised gains and losses on investments  ���������������������������������  216
Income from services rendered  �����������������������������������������������������  220
Other operating income ��������������������������������������������������������������������  220
Classification of expenses �����������������������������������������������������������������  220
Personnel expenses ������������������������������������������������������������������������������  221
Gains or losses on financial contracts  ����������������������������������������  221
Income taxes �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������  222
Earnings per share  �������������������������������������������������������������������������������  223
Other comprehensive income  ��������������������������������������������������������  224

OTHER DISCLOSURES  �������������������������������������������������������������������������  227
Acquisition and disposal of companies  �������������������������������������  227
Related party transactions  ���������������������������������������������������������������  228
Remuneration paid to the Board of Directors  
and the Corporate Executive Committee  ���������������������������������  229
Contingent and future liabilities  ��������������������������������������������������  230
Operating leases  �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������  233
Claim payments received from non-Group insurers  ����������  234
Events after the balance sheet date  ����������������������������������������������  234
Significant subsidiaries, joint ventures  
and associates as of 31 December 2013  ��������������������������������������  236
Changes to shareholdings  ����������������������������������������������������������������  238
Consolidated structured entities  ��������������������������������������������������  239

REPORT SUBMITTED BY THE STATUTORY AUDITORS  

TO THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF  
BÂLOISE HOLDING LTD, BASEL  ������������������������������������������������������  240

T
R
O
P
E
R

L
A

I

C
N
A
N

I
F

 
Financial Report
Consolidated balance sheet

Consolidated balance sheet

Note

1.1.2012 
(restated)

31.12.2012 
(restated)

31.12.2013

CHF million

Assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets 

Investments in associates

Investment property

Financial instruments with characteristics of equity

Available for sale

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities

Held to maturity

Available for sale

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Mortgages and loans

Carried at cost

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Derivative financial instruments

Receivables from financial contracts

Carried at cost

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Reinsurance assets

Receivables from reinsurers

Insurance receivables

Receivables from employee benefits

Other receivables

Receivables from investments 

Deferred tax assets

Current income tax assets

Other assets

Carried at cost

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Cash and cash equivalents

8

9

10

11

12

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

15

15

19

20

559.9 

458.5 

1,300.2 

1,078.5 

173.5 

227.2 

5,138.0 

5,441.0 

3,447.3 

6,256.6 

3,337.0 

6,138.7 

422.5 

1,080.3 

222.0 

5,685.9 

4,096.4 

7,248.0 

8,027.8 

8,188.5 

8,100.7 

19,855.3 

22,433.4 

22,431.0 

1,034.4 

1,891.3 

1,795.5 

17,667.5 

17,691.2 

17,373.4 

375.2 

334.1 

348.6 

61.5 

377.5 

16.9 

547.4 

1.4 

276.1 

661.1 

26.3 

43.3 

169.7 

83.0 

819.7 

497.6 

370.5 

56.1 

398.6 

29.3 

542.4 

0.6 

269.0 

644.5 

32.7 

58.7 

161.8 

87.1 

2,287.8 

2,923.7 

956.1 

410.7 

389.4 

–

396.4 

21.7 

518.4 

0.7 

257.0 

612.5 

56.0 

47.8 

165.4 

47.3 

2,960.8 

401.0 

Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale

21

–

–

Total assets

69,070.3 

73,777.7 

75,696.9 

The notes form an integral part of the consolidated annual financial statements.

90

Financial Report
Consolidated balance sheet

CHF million

Equity and liabilities 

Equity

Share capital

Capital reserves

Treasury shares

Unrealised gains and losses (net)

Retained earnings

Equity before non-controlling interests

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Liabilities

Technical reserves (gross)

Liabilities arising from banking business and financial contracts

With discretionary participation features

Measured at amortised cost

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Financial liabilities

Provisions

Derivative financial instruments

Insurance liabilities

Liabilities arising from employee benefits

Other accounts payable

Deferred tax liabilities

Current income tax liabilities

Other liabilities

Liabilities included in disposal groups classified as held for sale

Note

1.1.2012 
(restated)

31.12.2012 
(restated)

31.12.2013

22

23

24

26

27

14

28

18

19

21

5.0 

215.9 

– 256.7 

– 615.3 

4,418.1 

3,766.9 

32.3 

5.0 

218.3 

– 237.9 

– 67.8 

4,685.9 

4,603.5 

37.8 

5.0 

233.1 

– 240.8 

– 68.1 

4,926.7 

4,855.9 

50.5 

3,799.3 

4,641.3 

4,906.4 

45,542.3 

46,591.9 

47,435.6 

1,147.5 

6,881.2 

5,969.4 

1,612.6 

81.8 

175.3 

1,777.4 

863.2 

479.5 

630.5 

31.0 

79.4 

–

1,334.0 

7,290.5 

7,215.1 

2,017.6 

92.4 

64.4 

1,881.6 

1,134.9 

542.5 

838.5 

47.0 

86.0 

–

1,492.7 

7,258.4 

7,791.1 

1,697.6 

129.4 

68.2 

2,118.0 

989.5 

445.2 

882.3 

50.2 

78.6 

353.9 

Total liabilities

65,271.0 

69,136.4 

70,790.5 

Total equity and liabilities 

69,070.3 

73,777.7 

75,696.9 

The notes form an integral part of the consolidated annual financial statements.

91

Financial Report
Consolidated income statement

Consolidated income statement

CHF million

Income

Premiums earned and policy fees (gross)

Reinsurance premiums ceded

Premiums earned and policy fees (net)

Investment income

Realised gains and losses on investments

Income from services rendered

Share of profit (loss) of associates

Other operating income

Income

Expense

Claims and benefits paid (gross)

Change in technical reserves (gross)

Reinsurers’ share of claims incurred

Acquisition costs

Operating and administrative expenses for insurance business

Investment management expenses

Interest expenses on insurance liabilities

Gains or losses on financial contracts

Other operating expenses

Expense

Profit before borrowing costs and taxes

Borrowing costs

Profit before taxes

Income taxes

Profit for the period

Attributable to:

Shareholders

Non-controlling interests

Earnings / loss per share

Basic (CHF)

Diluted (CHF)

The notes form an integral part of the consolidated annual financial statements.

92

Note

2012 (restated)

2013

29

29

29

30

31

32

33

23

23

23

34

34

34

36

34

26

37

38

6,731.1 

– 176.5 

6,554.6 

7,212.7 

– 167.9 

7,044.8 

1,782.2 

1,765.1 

852.9 

125.0 

16.5 

92.0 

670.3 

119.0 

40.5 

107.9 

9,423.2 

9,747.5 

– 5,449.4 

– 5,439.7 

– 867.7 

– 1,359.4 

113.2 

– 651.0 

– 900.0 

– 59.0 

– 50.5 

– 577.8 

– 363.2 

75.5 

– 500.5 

– 897.1 

– 70.6 

– 47.3 

– 368.9 

– 481.3 

– 8,805.4 

– 9,089.3 

617.9 

658.2 

– 61.0 

556.8 

– 71.6 

485.2 

479.5 

5.7 

10.24 

9.96 

– 50.1 

608.1 

– 152.7 

455.4 

452.6 

2.8 

9.65 

9.38 

Financial Report
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Consolidated statement 
of comprehensive income

CHF million

Profit for the period

Items to be reclassified to retained earnings

Change in reserves arising from reclassification of investment property

Change in reserves arising from assets and liabilities of post-employment benefits 
(defined benefit plans)

Change arising from shadow accounting

Income taxes 

Total items to be reclassified to retained earnings

Items to be reclassified to the income statement

2012 (restated)

2013

485.2

455.4

–

– 327.2

84.1

59.7

– 183.4

0.6

162.4

– 18.4

– 33.2

111.5

Change in unrealised gains and losses on available-for-sale financial assets

1,564.6

– 531.7

Change in unrealised gains and losses on associates

Change in hedging reserves for derivative financial instruments held as  
cash flow hedges 

Change in hedging reserves for derivative financial instruments held as  
hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation

Change in reserves arising from reclassification of held-to-maturity financial assets

Change arising from shadow accounting

Exchange differences

Income taxes 

Total items to be reclassified to the income statement

Other comprehensive income 

Comprehensive income

Attributable to:

Shareholders

Non-controlling interests

The notes form an integral part of the consolidated annual financial statements.

6.1

–

2.1

– 4.9

– 600.3

19.6

– 255.4

731.7

3.2

–

2.4

– 2.7

267.2

68.1

82.2

– 111.3

548.3

0.1

1,033.5

455.5

1,027.1

6.4

452.2

3.3

93

Financial Report
Consolidated cash flow statement

Consolidated cash flow statement

CHF million

Summary

Cash flow from operating activities (net) 

Cash flow from investing activities (net) 

Cash flow from financing activities (net) 

Total cash flow

Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

Reclassification to  non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale

Balance of cash and cash equivalents as at 1 January

Balance of cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December

Cash flow from operating activities

Profit before taxes

Adjustments for

Note

2012 (restated)

2013

580.0

– 97.2

155.3

638.1

– 2.2

–

2,287.8

2,923.7

609.7

0.9

– 584.9

25.7

13.2

– 1.8

2,923.7

2,960.8

556.8

608.1

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment of property, plant and equipment  
and of intangible assets

8 / 9

109.5

Realised gains and losses on property, plant and equipment  
and on intangible assets

Income from investments in associates

Realised gains and losses on financial assets, investment property and associates

Changes in other financial contracts

Changes in technical reserves (gross), including unearned premium reserves

Interest expenses on reinsurance liabilities

Borrowing costs 

Amortised cost valuation of financial instruments

Additions and disposals of assets and liabilities resulting in a cash flow

Purchase / sale of investment property

Purchase / sale of financial assets of an equity nature

Purchase / sale of financial assets of a debt nature

Addition / disposal of mortgages and loans

Addition / disposal of derivative financial instruments

Addition / disposal of financial contracts and liabilities from banking business

Other changes in assets and liabilities from operating activities

Taxes paid

Cash flow from operating activities (net)

The notes form an integral part of the consolidated annual financial statements.

26

– 0.1

– 15.8

– 858.4

426.7

836.8

0.3

61.0

23.1

– 79.9

10.1

– 1,363.0

– 510.0

– 167.4

932.1

682.6

– 64.5

580.0

98.9

0.7

– 41.2

– 669.4

245.3

1,065.5

0.3

50.1

11.3

– 93.0

– 1,078.9

– 534.3

293.0

– 56.3

231.6

545.8

– 67.8

609.7

94

Financial Report
Consolidated cash flow statement

CHF million

Cash flow from investing activities

Purchase of property, plant and equipment 

Sale of property, plant and equipment 

Purchase of intangible assets

Sale of intangible assets

Acquisition of companies, net of cash and cash equivalents

Disposal of companies, net of cash and cash equivalents

Purchase of investments in associates

Sale of investments in associates

Dividends from associates

Cash flow from investing activities (net)

Cash flow from financing activities

Capital increases

Capital reductions

Additions to financial liabilities

Disposals of financial liabilities

Borrowing costs paid

Purchase of treasury shares

Sale of treasury shares

Cash flow attributable to non-controlling interests

Dividends paid

Cash flow from financing activities (net)

Total cash flow

Cash and cash equivalents

Balance as at 1 January

Change during the financial year

Reclassification to  non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale

Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

Balance as at 31 December

Breakdown of cash and cash equivalents at the balance sheet date

Cash and bank balances

Cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents for the account and at the risk of life insurance policyholders

Balance as at 31 December

Of which: restricted cash and cash equivalents

Supplemental disclosures on cash flow from operating activities

Interest received

Dividends received

Interest paid

The notes form an integral part of the consolidated annual financial statements.

Note

2012 (restated)

2013

8

9

40

40

22

22

26

26

– 50.4

10.7

– 24.7

0.5

– 1.7

0.1

– 36.2

0.0

4.4

– 97.2

–

–

549.0

– 150.0

– 53.2

– 49.5

71.6

– 0.9

– 211.7

155.3

– 21.8

1.0

– 23.5

0.0

– 2.9

2.4

0.0

7.8

37.9

0.9

–

–

224.5

– 550.0

– 57.6

– 60.0

71.1

– 1.1

– 211.8

– 584.9

638.1

25.7

2,287.8

2,923.7

638.1

–

– 2.2

25.7

– 1.8

13.2

2,923.7

2,960.8

2,034.3

1,992.2

0.0

889.4

0.0

968.6

2,923.7

2,960.8

16.2

14.5

1,145.8

1,132.8

108.7

– 98.0

80.9

– 89.9

95

Financial Report
Consolidated statement of changes in equity

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

2012 (restated)

CHF million 

Balance as at 1 January 2012  
(prior to restatement)

First-time adoption of IAS 19 (amendment)

First-time adoption of IFRS 10

Balance as at 1 January 2012  
(after restatement)

Profit for the period

Other comprehensive income

Comprehensive income

Other changes in equity in 2012

Dividend

Capital increase / repayment 

Purchase / sale of treasury shares

Cancellation of (treasury) shares 

Increase / decrease due to change  
in the scope of consolidation

Increase / decrease in non-controlling 
interests due to change in the percentage 
of shareholding

Note

Share  
capital

Capital 
reserves

Treasury 
shares

Other 
changes in 
equity

Retained 
earnings

Equity before 
non- 
controlling  
interests

Non- 
controlling 
interests

Total 
equity

5.0

215.9

– 256.7

– 615.3

4,511.4

3,860.3

33.3

3,893.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 93.4

– 93.4

– 0.9

– 94.3

–

–

–

–

5.0

215.9

– 256.7

– 615.3

4,418.1

3,766.9

32.3

3,799.3

39

22

40

6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2.3

18.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

547.6

547.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

479.5

479.5

547.6

–

479.5

1,027.1

5.7

0.7

6.4

485.2

548.3

1,033.5

– 211.7

– 211.7

– 0.9

– 212.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

21.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

21.1

–

–

–

Balance as at 31 December 2012

5.0

218.3

– 237.9

– 67.8

4,685.9

4,603.5

37.8

4,641.3

The notes form an integral part of the consolidated annual financial statements.

96

Financial Report
Consolidated statement of changes in equity

2013

CHF million 

Balance as at 1 January 2013  
(prior to restatement)

First-time adoption of IAS 19 (amendment)

First-time adoption of IFRS 10

Balance as at 1 January 2013  
(after restatement)

Profit for the period

Other comprehensive income

Comprehensive income

Other changes in equity in 2013

Dividend

Capital increase / repayment 

Purchase / sale of treasury shares

Cancellation of (treasury) shares 

Increase / decrease in non-controlling 
interests due to change  
in the scope of consolidation

Increase / decrease in non-controlling 
interests due to change  
in the percentage of shareholding

Note

Share 
capital

Capital 
reserves

Treasury 
shares

Other 
changes in 
equity

Retained 
earnings

Equity before 
non- 
controlling 
interests

Non- 
controlling 
interests

Total 
equity

5.0

218.3

– 237.9

109.1

4,736.3

4,830.7

42.1

 4,872.8 

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 176.8

– 50.4

– 227.2

– 4.3

 – 231.5 

–

–

–

–

 – 

5.0

218.3

– 237.9

– 67.8

4,685.9

4,603.5

37.8

4,641.3

39

22

40

6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

13.9

– 2.8

–

0.9

–

–

–

–

–

452.6

– 0.3

– 0.3

–

452.6

452.6

– 0.3

452.2

2.8

0.5

3.3

455.4

0.1

455.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 211.8

– 211.8

– 1.1

– 213.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

11.1

–

0.9

–

–

–

–

 – 

11.1

 – 

0.9

–

10.5

10.5

Balance as at 31 December 2013

5.0

233.1

– 240.8

– 68.1

4,926.7

4,855.9

50.5

4,906.4

The notes form an integral part of the consolidated annual financial statements.

97

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

Notes to the consolidated  
annual financial statements
Basis of presentation

1. BASIS OF PREPARATION
The Baloise Group is a European direct insurer comprising 13 
different insurance companies that operate in virtually every 
segment of the life and non-life insurance business� Its holding 
company is Bâloise Holding, a Swiss corporation based in Basel 
whose shares are listed in the main segment of the Swiss  Exchange 
(SIX)� Its subsidiaries are active in the direct insurance markets 
in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Luxem-
bourg, Croatia, Serbia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic� Its 
banking business is conducted by subsidiaries in Switzerland 
and Germany� In addition, the Baloise Group has a fund man-
agement company in Luxembourg� 

The Baloise Group’s consolidated annual financial state-
ments are based on the historical cost principle and recognise 
adjustments resulting from the regular fair value measurement 
of investment property and of financial assets and financial 
liabilities that are classified as available for sale or recognised 
at fair value through profit or loss� These consolidated annual 
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 
International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  (IFRS),  which 
comply with Swiss law� IFRS 4 deals with the recognition and 
disclosure of insurance and reinsurance contracts� The measure-
ment of these contracts is based on local financial reporting 
standards� All amounts shown in these consolidated annual 
financial  statements  are  stated  in  millions  of  Swiss  francs  
(CHF million) and have been rounded to one decimal place� 
Consequently, the sum total of amounts that have been  rounded 
may in isolated cases differ from the rounded total shown in 
this report�

At its meeting on 19 March 2014 the Bâloise Holding Board 
of Directors approved the annual financial statements and the 
Financial Report and authorised them for issue� The financial 
statements have yet to be approved by the Annual General  Meeting 
of Bâloise Holding�

2. APPLICATION OF NEW FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS 

AND RESTATEMENTS 

Newly applied IFRSs and interpretations

IAS 1 Other comprehensive income (OCI)
Following an amendment to IAS 1, OCI income and expense 
items that are to be reclassified to profit or loss at a later date 
must be presented separately from items of  OCI that are to 
remain in equity and will not subsequently be reclassified to 
profit or loss� This amendment impacts on the other compre-
hensive income reported by the Baloise Group�

Restatement owing to first-time adoption of  

IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements 
The objective of IFRS 10 is to establish principles for the presen-
tation and preparation of consolidated financial statements when 
a parent company controls one or more entities� This standard 
supersedes the existing IAS 27 and SIC-12� An investor must 
establish whether it meets the definition of a parent company 
by assessing whether it controls one or more investees� The 
 investor must take into account all relevant facts and circum-
stances when considering whether it controls an investee or not� 
An investor is deemed to control an investee if the investor has 
power over the investee, has exposure or rights to variable  returns 
from involvement with the investee, and has the ability to use 
power over the investee to affect the amount of the investor’s 
returns� Entities that qualify as investment entities under IFRS 10 
enjoy an exemption and are not required to consolidate the 
entities that they control in their consolidated financial state-
ments� Instead, equity investments held solely for the purpose 
of  generating  returns  from  capital  appreciation,  investment 
income or both must be measured at fair value through profit 
or loss� The Baloise Group is not affected by this exemption�

The new standard impacts on the basis of consolidation 
for the Baloise Group and increases its total assets� IFRS 10 has 
been applied retrospectively with effect from 1 January 2012 
and, consequently, prior-year comparative figures for the Baloise 
Group have been restated accordingly� Details of this restatement 
are summarised in the tables on pages  100 to 104� Further 
effects of the application of this standard are explained in sec-
tion 6�2�3�

98

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements
IFRS 11 has introduced new accounting requirements for joint 
arrangements, superseding IAS 31 “Interests in Joint Ventures”� 
The new standard has eliminated the option of using propor-
tionate consolidation as a method to account for interests in 
jointly controlled entities� It also removes “jointly controlled 
assets” as a type of joint arrangement� Only joint operations 
and joint ventures remain as types of joint arrangement� The 
new standard does not impact on the balance sheet or income 
statement of the Baloise Group�

IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities
The objective of IFRS 12 is to create a new single core standard 
requiring an entity to disclose information that enables users 
of its financial statements to evaluate the nature of, and risks 
associated with, its interests in other entities and the effects of 
those interests on its financial position, financial performance 
and cash flows� A particular new feature is the express require-
ment for entities to disclose risks arising from off-balance-sheet 
structured vehicles, a development that has been demanded for 
some time by capital market players� This standard impacts on 
the disclosures made in the notes to the financial statements 
for the Baloise Group�

IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement
IFRS 13 replaces with a single standard the existing guidance 
for measuring fair value in the individual IFRSs currently in 
force� IFRS 13 does not introduce any additional fair value 
 measurements, nor does it replace any of the existing provisions 
laid down in other standards� This standard, for which prospec-
tive application is required, impacts on the information disclosed 
by the Baloise Group (more details can be found in section 5�10)�

IAS 27 (2011) Separate Financial Statements
The provisions governing separate financial statements remain 
part of the amended version of IAS 27� The other elements of 
IAS 27 (consolidated financial statements) have been super seded 
by IFRS 10�

IAS 28 (2011) Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures
IAS 28 is concerned with investments in associates and now, 
additionally, joint ventures� The objective of IAS 28 is to prescribe 
the accounting for investments in associates and to set out the 
requirements for the application of the equity method when 
accounting for investments in associates and joint ventures�

Restatement owing to application of IAS 19 Employee Benefits 

(Amendment)
The most significant change in IAS 19 is that unexpected fluc-
tuations in pension obligations and expected fluctuations in 
plan assets (actuarial gains and losses) must be recognised  directly 
in other comprehensive income� The previously available options 
allowing entities to choose between immediate recognition in 
the income statement or OCI and delayed recognition using the 
corridor method have been withdrawn� IAS 19 has been applied 
retrospectively with effect from 1 January 2012 and,  consequently, 
prior-year comparative figures for the Baloise Group have been 
restated accordingly� Details of this restatement are summarised 
in the tables on pages 100 to 104�

IAS 32 / IFRS 7 Offsetting Financial Assets  

and Financial Liabilities
This amendment relates to a situation in which two entities each 
owe money to the other� In this case, both entities are required 
to present their rights and obligations in respect of each other 
as a net amount on the face of their respective balance sheets, 
provided that a range of strict conditions primarily focusing on 
the absolute enforceability of contractual rights are all satisfied� 
If a net amount is presented, disclosure requirements relating 
to rights associated with the transaction and any other asso-
ciated arrangements must be satisfied� In addition, enhanced 
disclosures that also show the theoretical potential for offsetting 
are required (e�g� in cases of default)� This amendment does not 
impact materially on the Baloise Group’s balance sheet or income 
statement�

99

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

Reconciliation of the restated IFRS figures from the application of IAS 19 (amendment) and IFRS 10

IMPACT OF RESTATEMENTS ON BALANCE SHEET LINE ITEMS

Consolidated balance sheet for the year ended 31 December 2012

Prior to 
restatement

Adoption of 
IAS 19 
(amendment)

Adoption of 
IFRS 10

After  
restatement

 458.5 

 1,078.5 

 227.2 

 5,441.0 

 3,337.0 

 5,897.0 

 8,188.5 

 22,433.4 

 1,891.3 

 17,691.2 

 819.7 

 497.6 

 370.5 

 56.1 

 398.6 

 29.3 

 542.4 

 0.6 

 269.0 

 644.5 

 23.9 

 58.7 

 161.8 

 87.1 

 2,923.7 

 73,527.2 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 8.9 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 241.7 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 458.5 

 1,078.5 

 227.2 

 5,441.0 

 3,337.0 

 6,138.7 

 8,188.5 

 22,433.4 

 1,891.3 

 17,691.2 

 819.7 

 497.6 

 370.5 

 56.1 

 398.6 

 29.3 

 542.4 

 0.6 

 269.0 

 644.5 

 32.7 

 58.7 

 161.8 

 87.1 

 2,923.7 

 8.9 

 241.7 

 73,777.7 

CHF million

Assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets 

Investments in associates

Investment property

Financial instruments with characteristics of equity

Available for sale

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities

Held to maturity

Available for sale

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Mortgages and loans

Carried at cost

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Derivative financial instruments

Receivables from financial contracts

Carried at cost

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Reinsurance assets

Receivables from reinsurers

Insurance receivables

Receivables from employee benefits

Other receivables

Receivables from investments 

Deferred income tax assets

Deferred tax assets

Other assets

Carried at cost

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

100

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

IMPACT OF RESTATEMENTS ON BALANCE SHEET LINE ITEMS

Consolidated balance sheet for the year ended 31 December 2012

Prior to 
restatement

Adoption of 
IAS 19 
(amendment)

Adoption of 
IFRS 10

After  
restatement

CHF million

Equity and liabilities

Equity

Share capital

Capital reserves

Treasury shares

Unrealised gains and losses (net)

Retained earnings

Equity before non-controlling interests

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Liabilities

 5.0 

 218.3 

 – 237.9 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 109.1 

 – 176.8 

 4,736.3 

 4,830.7 

 42.1 

 – 50.4 

 – 227.2 

 – 4.3 

 4,872.8 

 – 231.5 

Technical reserves (gross)

 46,702.3 

 – 110.4 

Liabilities arising from banking business and financial contracts

With discretionary participation features (DPFs)

Measured at amortised cost

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Financial liabilities

Provisions

Derivative financial instruments

Insurance liabilities

Liabilities from employee benefits

Other accounts payable

Deferred tax liabilities

Current income tax liabilities

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

 1,334.0 

 7,290.5 

 6,973.4 

 2,017.6 

 92.4 

 64.4 

 1,881.6 

 727.5 

 542.5 

 895.1 

 47.0 

 86.0 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 407.3 

 – 

 – 56.6 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 241.7 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 5.0 

 218.3 

 – 237.9 

 – 67.8 

 4,685.9 

 4,603.5 

 37.8 

 4,641.3 

 46,591.9 

 1,334.0 

 7,290.5 

 7,215.1 

 2,017.6 

 92.4 

 64.4 

 1,881.6 

 1,134.9 

 542.5 

 838.5 

 47.0 

 86.0 

 68,654.3 

 240.4 

 241.7 

 69,136.4 

Total equity and liabilities

 73,527.2 

 8.9 

 241.7 

 73,777.7 

101

 
Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

IMPACT OF RESTATEMENTS ON INCOME STATEMENT LINE ITEMS

CHF million

Premiums earned and policy fees (gross)

Premiums ceded to reinsurers

Premiums earned and policy fees (net)

Investment income

Realised gains and losses on investments

Income from services rendered

Share of profit (loss) of associates

Other operating income

Income

Claims and benefits paid (gross)

Change in technical reserves (gross)

Reinsurers’ share of claims incurred

Acquisition costs

Operating and administrative expenses for insurance business

Investment management expenses

Interest expenses on insurance liabilities

Gains or losses on financial contracts

Other operating expenses

Expense 

Borrowing costs

Profit before taxes

Income taxes

Profit for the period

Attributable to:

Shareholders

Non-controlling interests

Earnings / loss per share

Diluted in CHF

Basic in CHF

102

Consolidated income statement for 2012

Prior to 
restatement

Adoption of 
IAS 19 
(amendment)

Adoption of 
IFRS 10

After  
restatement

 6,731.1 

 – 176.5 

 6,554.6 

 1,782.2 

 839.1 

 125.0 

 16.5 

 92.0 

 9,409.4 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 5,449.3 

 – 0.1 

 – 868.0 

 113.2 

 – 650.9 

 – 899.2 

 – 59.0 

 – 50.5 

 – 563.9 

 – 425.8 

 – 8,853.6 

 – 61.0 

 494.7 

 – 52.4 

 442.4 

0.3

 – 

0.0 

 – 0.7 

0.0 

 – 

 – 

62.6

 62.1 

 – 

 62.1 

– 19.3

 42.8 

 436.5 

 5.8 

 43.0 

 – 0.2 

 9.32 

 9.08 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 13.9 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 6,731.1 

 – 176.5 

 6,554.6 

 1,782.2 

 852.9 

 125.0 

 16.5 

 92.0 

 13.9 

 9,423.2 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 13.9 

 – 

 – 5,449.4 

 – 867.7 

 113.2 

 – 651.0 

 – 900.0 

 – 59.0 

 – 50.5 

 – 577.8 

 – 363.2 

 – 13.9 

 – 8,805.4 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 61.0 

 556.8 

 – 71.6 

 485.2 

 479.5 

 5.7 

 10.24 

 9.96 

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

IMPACT OF RESTATEMENTS ON LINE ITEMS IN THE STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income for 2012

Prior to 
restatement

Adoption of 
IAS 19 
(amendment)

Adoption of 
IFRS 10

After  
restatement

CHF million

Profit for the period

Items  to be reclassified to retained earnings

Change in reserves arising from reclassification of investment property

Change in reserves arising from assets and liabilities of post-employment benefits 
(defined benefit plans)

Change arising from shadow accounting

Income taxes 

Total items to be reclassified to retained earnings

Items to be reclassified to the income statement

442.4

42.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 327.2

84.1

59.7

– 183.4

Change in unrealised gains and losses on available-for-sale financial assets

1,564.6

Change in unrealised gains and losses on associates

Change in hedging reserves for derivative financial instruments held as  
cash flow hedges 

Change in hedging reserves for derivative financial instruments held as  
hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation

Change in reserves arising from reclassification of held-to-maturity financial assets

Change arising from shadow accounting

Exchange differences

Income taxes 

Total items to be reclassified to the income statement

6.1

–

2.1

– 4.9

– 606.8

19.5

– 252.4

728.3

–

–

–

–

–

6.5

0.1

– 3.1

3.5

Other comprehensive income 

Comprehensive income

Attributable to:

Shareholders

Non-controlling interests

728.3

– 180.0

1,170.7

– 137.2

1,161.0

– 133.8

9.7

– 3.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

485.2

–

– 327.2

84.1

59.7

– 183.4

1,564.6

6.1

–

2.1

– 4.9

– 600.3

19.6

– 255.4

731.7

548.3

1,033.5

1,027.1

6.4

103

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

IMPACT OF RESTATEMENTS ON LINE ITEMS IN THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT

CHF million

Summary

Cash flow from operating activities (net) 

Cash flow from investing activities (net) 

Cash flow from financing activities (net) 

Total cash flow

Changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents as at 1 January

Cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December

Consolidated cash flow statement for 2012

Prior to 
restatement

Adoption of 
IAS 19 
(amendment)

Adoption of 
IFRS 10

After  
restatement

 580.0 

 – 97.2 

 155.3 

 638.1 

 – 2.2 

 2,287.8 

 2,923.7 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

580.0

– 97.2

155.3

 638.1 

– 2.2

2,287.8

 2,923.7 

The  prior-year  comparative  figures  for  the  financial  year  ended  31  December  2012  –  which  are  shown  on  the 
balance sheet, the income statement, the cash f low statement and the statement of changes in equity as well as in 
the notes to this Financial Report – have been restated accordingly�

104

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

Other standards and interpretations
Currently, there are no requirements to apply any other stand-
ards or interpretations that have impact – or material impact 
– on profit for the period or on balance sheet line items�

New IFRSs and interpretations not yet applied
The following new standards and interpretations relevant to the 
Baloise Group have been published by the IASB but have not 
yet come into effect and, therefore, have not been applied in the 
2013 consolidated annual financial statements:

Standard /  
Inter- 
pretation

IFRS 9

IAS 19

Content

Financial instruments

Employee Benefits (Amendment)

Applicable  
to annual 
periods  
beginning  
on or after

1.1.2018

1.7.2014

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments
IFRS 9 introduces new requirements for the classification and 
measurement of financial instruments� Classification of debt 
instruments at amortised cost is based on the entity’s business 
model and on the contractual cash flow characteristics of the 
financial assets concerned� If the criteria in respect of the busi-
ness model and cash flow characteristics are not met, debt in-
struments are measured at fair value through profit or loss� As 
regards structured products with embedded derivatives, the 
standard now only provides for separate recognition of non- 
financial host contracts� Structured products with financial host 
contracts must be classified and measured as combined instru-
ments� It has not yet been possible to conduct a detailed  analysis 
of the impact on the Baloise Group’s balance sheet and income 
statement because of the various revisions and new versions of 
the standard published by the IASB�

IAS 19 Employee Benefits (amendment)
As a result of the amendment, contributions from employees 
or third parties are recognised as a reduction in service cost in 
the period in which they are paid, provided they are entirely 
related to the employee’s service in that period� This may be the 
case, in particular, with contributions that constitute a fixed 
percentage of salary that is not dependent on the number of 
years worked at the company by the employee� It is not yet pos-
sible to fully assess the impact of this amendment on the Baloise 
Group’s balance sheet or income statement�

105

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

3. CONSOLIDATION PRINCIPLES AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES

3.1 Method of consolidation

3.1.1 Subsidiaries
The consolidated annual financial statements comprise the finan­
cial statements of Bâloise Holding and its subsidiaries, includ­
ing any structured entities. A subsidiary is consolidated if the 
Baloise Group controls it either directly or indirectly. As a rule, 
this is the case if the Baloise Group has exposure or rights to 
variable profit components as a result of its involvement with 
the investee and, because of legal positions, has the ability to 
influence the investee’s business activities that are critical to its 
financial success and, therefore, to affect the amount of the 
variable profit components.

Companies  acquired  during  the  reporting  period  are 
 included in the consolidated annual financial statements from 
the date on which control is effectively assumed, while all com­
panies sold remain consolidated until the date on which control 
is ceded. Acquisitions of entities are accounted for under the 
acquisition method (previously known as the “purchase  method”). 
Transaction costs are charged to the income statement as an 
expense. The identifiable assets and liabilities of the entity con­
cerned are measured at fair value as at the date of first­time 
consolidation. Non­controlling interests arising from business 
combinations are measured either at their fair value or accord­
ing to their share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. The 
Baloise Group decides which measurement method to apply to 
each individual business combination.

The acquisition cost corresponds to the fair value of the 
consideration paid to the previous owners on the date of the 
acquisition. If investments in the form of financial instruments 
or associates were already held before control was acquired, 
these investments are remeasured and any difference is recog­
nised in profit or loss. Any contingent consideration recognised 
as part of the consideration paid for the acquiree is measured 
at fair value on the transaction date. Any subsequent changes 
in the fair value of a contingent consideration are recognised 
in the income statement. If the acquisition cost exceeds the fair 
value of assets and liabilities plus non­controlling interests, the 
difference is recognised as goodwill. Conversely, if the identified 
net  assets  exceed  the  acquisition  cost  then  the  difference  is 
 recognised directly through profit or loss as other operating 
income.

All intercompany transactions and the resultant gains and  losses 
are eliminated.

The consolidation of subsidiaries ends on the date on which 
control is ceded. If only some of the shares in a subsidiary are 
sold, the retained interest is measured at fair value on the date 
that control is lost. Gains or losses on the disposal of (some of) 
the subsidiary’s shares are recognised in the income statement 
as either other operating income or other operating expenses.
The acquisition of additional investments in subsidiaries 
after assuming control and the disposal of investments in sub­
sidiaries without ceding control are both recognised directly 
in equity as transactions with owners.

3.1.2 Structured entities 
Structured  entities  are  consolidated.  Their  inclusion  in  the 
 consolidated financial statements is governed by the provisions 
of IFRS 10. 

3.1.3 Joint arrangements 
Joint arrangements are contractual agreements over which two 
or more parties have joint control. A joint arrangement is  classified 
as either a joint operation or a joint venture. In a joint operation, 
the involved parties have direct rights and obligations in respect 
of the assets and liabilities and the income and expenses. By 
contrast, the parties involved in a joint venture do not have a 
direct entitlement to the assets and liabilities and, instead, have 
rights in respect of the net assets of the joint venture owing to 
their position as investors. 

Joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method, 
i.e. the Baloise Group initially recognises the joint ventures at 
cost (fair value at the date of acquisition) and thereafter recog­
nises them under the equity method (the Baloise Group’s share 
of the entity’s net assets and profit or loss for the period). In the 
case of joint operations, the Baloise Group includes directly in 
its consolidated financial statements the share of the assets, 
liabilities, income and expenses of the joint operation that is 
attributable to the Baloise Group.

The Baloise Group is not involved in any joint arrangements 

at present.

106

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

3.1.4 Associates
Associates are initially carried at cost (fair value at the date  
of acquisition) and thereafter are measured under the equity 
method (the Baloise Group’s share of the entity’s profit or loss 
for the period and other comprehensive income) in cases where 
the Baloise Group can exert a significant influence over the 
management of the entity concerned. Changes in the fair value 
of associates are generally recognised in profit or loss and take 
account of any dividend flows. If the Baloise Group’s share of 
the losses exceeds the value of the associate, no further losses 
are recognised. Goodwill paid for associates is included in the 
carrying amount of the investment.

3.2  Currency translation

3.2.1 Functional currency and reporting currency
Each subsidiary prepares its annual financial statements in its 
functional currency, which is the currency of its primary eco­
nomic environment. The consolidated Financial Report is pre­
sented in millions of Swiss francs (CHF), which is the Baloise 
Group’s reporting currency.

3.2.2 Translation of transaction currency into functional 

currency at Group companies
Income  and  expenses  denominated  in  foreign  currency  are 
translated either at the exchange rate prevailing on the trans­
action  date  or  at  the  average  exchange  rate.  Monetary  and 
non­monetary balance sheet items measured at fair value and 
arising from foreign­currency transactions conducted by Group 
companies are translated at the closing rate. Non­monetary 
items measured at historical cost are translated at the historical 
rate. Any resultant exchange differences are recognised in  profit 
or loss. This does not include exchange differences that form 
part of cash flow hedges and are recognised directly in hedging 
reserves or are used as hedges of a net investment in a foreign 
operation. 

Exchange differences arising on non­monetary financial 
instruments recognised at fair value through profit or loss are 
reported as realised gains or losses on these instruments.  Exchange 
differences on available­for­sale non­monetary financial instru­
ments are recognised directly in equity as unrealised gains or 
losses.

3.2.3 Translation of functional currency into reporting currency
The annual financial statements of all entities that have not been 
prepared in Swiss francs are translated as follows when the con­
solidated financial statements are being prepared: 
 → Assets and liabilities at the closing rate
 → Income and expenses at the average rate for the year.
The resultant exchange differences are aggregated and recognised 
directly in equity. When foreign subsidiaries are sold, the ex­
change differences arising on the disposal are recognised in the 
income statement as a transaction gain or loss.

3.2.4 Key exchange rates

CURRENCY

CHF

1 EUR (euro)

1 USD (US dollar)

Balance sheet

Income statement

2012

2013

2012

2013

1.21 

0.92 

1.23 

0.89 

1.21 

0.94 

1.23 

0.93 

100 HRK (Croatian kuna)

15.99 

16.10 

16.02 

16.24 

3.3 Property, plant and equipment
Items of property, plant and equipment are measured at cost 
less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment 
losses. The acquisition cost of property plant and equipment 
includes all directly attributable costs. Subsequent acquisition 
costs are only capitalised if future economic benefits associated 
with the property, plant and equipment will flow to the entity 
concerned and these costs can be measured reliably. All other 
repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

All financing for property, plant and equipment is gener­
ally obtained from the Baloise Group’s own financial resources. 
If funding from external sources is required, interest accrued 
during the assets’ development is capitalised as incurred.

Land is not depreciated. Other items of property, plant 
and equipment are depreciated on a straight­line basis over the 
following estimated useful lives: 
 → Owner­occupied buildings: 25 to 50 years
 → Office furniture, equipment, fixtures and fittings:  

5 to 10 years

 → Computer hardware: 3 to 5 years.
At each balance sheet date the Baloise Group tests all items of 
property, plant and equipment for impairment and reviews the 
suitability of their useful lives. 

107

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

An  impairment  loss  is  immediately  recognised  on  items  of 
 property, plant and equipment if their recoverable amount is 
lower than their carrying amount.

Gains or losses on the sale of property, plant and equipment 
are immediately taken to the income statement as either other 
operating income or other operating expenses.

is acquired, the date for conducting future impairment tests is 
fixed and these tests are subsequently carried out at the same 
time each year. When entities are sold, their share of goodwill 
is recognised in their profit or loss. Goodwill is allocated to 
cash­generating units (CGUs) for the purposes of impairment 
testing.

3.5.2 Present value of future profits (PVFP)  

on insurance contracts acquired
The present value of future profits on insurance contracts  acquired 
arises from the purchase of life insurance companies or life 
insurance portfolios. It is initially measured in accordance with 
actuarial principles and is amortised on a straight­line basis. It 
is regularly tested for impairment as part of a liability  adequacy 
test (see section 3.18.2 for further details).

3.5.3 Deferred acquisition costs (DACs)
Costs directly incurred by the conclusion of insurance contracts 
or financial contracts with discretionary participation features 
(DPFs) – such as commissions – are capitalised and amortised 
over the term of these contracts or, if shorter, over the premium 
payment period. Deferred acquisition costs are tested for impair­
ment at each balance sheet date (see section 3.18.3 for further 
details).

3.5.4 Capitalised investment fees
Acquisition costs directly attributable to the generation of asset 
management investment returns are recognised as intangible 
assets provided that they can be individually identified and re­
liably determined and they are likely to be recoverable. They 
are amortised through profit or loss over the term of the under­
lying financial contract in proportion to the returns generated 
and are tested annually for impairment.

3.4 Leases

3.4.1 The Baloise Group as a lessee
Finance leases: leases on real estate, office furniture, equipment, 
fixtures, fittings and other tangible assets are classified and 
treated as finance leases if they transfer to the Baloise Group 
substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership. 
The fair value of the leased property or, if lower, the present 
value  of  the  lease  payments  is  recognised  as  an  asset  at  the 
 inception of the lease. All lease payments are apportioned  between 
the finance charge and the reduction of the outstanding liabil­
ity. The finance charge is allocated so as to produce a constant 
periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liabil­
ity; this is reported on the Baloise Group’s balance sheet as 
 liabilities arising from banking business and financial contracts. 
Assets held under finance leases are fully depreciated over the 
shorter of the lease term and their useful life.

Operating leases: all other leases are classified as operat­
ing leases. Lease payments under operating leases are expensed 
in the income statement on a straight­line basis over the term 
of the lease.

3.4.2 The Baloise Group as a lessor
Investment  real  estate  let  on  operating  leases  is  reported  as 
 investment property on the face of the consolidated balance 
sheet. The Baloise Group was not involved as lessor in any  other 
leases during the reporting period.

3.5 Intangible assets 

3.5.1 Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of an acquiree’s acquisition cost 
over the fair value of its assets and liabilities plus the acquisi­
tion­date amount of any non­controlling interests in the acquiree 
and the acquisition­date fair value of the acquirer’s previously 
held equity interest in the acquiree. Goodwill is reported as an 
intangible asset. Goodwill is tested for impairment in the second 
half of each year. An impairment test may also be conducted in 
the first half of the year if there are objective indications that 
goodwill may be permanently impaired. When a new investment 

108

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

verified by respected consultancies. In addition, the properties 
are assessed by external valuation specialists at regular intervals; 
roughly 10 per cent of the fair value of the real­estate portfolio 
is subject to such assessments each year. Changes in fair value 
are taken to income as realised accounting gains or losses in 
the period in which they occur. 

3.7 Financial assets 
The term “investments” (Kapitalanlagen in German) is used in 
some places and headings in the Financial Report for clarity’s 
sake. The IFRSs themselves do not define the term “investments” 
(or Kapitalanlagen). The term “investments” as used in the Finan­
cial Report covers financial assets, mortgages and loans, deriv­
ative  financial  instruments,  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  and 
investment property.

The asset classes covered by the term financial instruments 
with characteristics of equity are equities; share certificates; 
units held in equity, bond and real­estate funds; and alternative 
financial assets such as private equity investments and hedge 
funds. Financial instruments with characteristics of equity are 
generally more frequently exposed to price volatility than finan­
cial instruments with characteristics of liabilities are. 

The term financial instruments with characteristics of 
liabilities covers securities such as bonds and other fixed­income 
securities. They are usually interest bearing and are issued for 
a fixed or determinable amount.

The Baloise Group classifies its financial instruments with 
characteristics of equity and its financial instruments with char­
acteristics of liabilities as either “recognised at fair value through 
profit or loss”, “held to maturity” or “available for sale”. The 
classification of the financial instruments concerned is deter­
mined by the purpose for which they have been acquired. 

Mortgages and loans are generally carried at cost. In pur­
suing its strategy of using natural hedges, however, the Baloise 
Group applies the fair value option to designate parts of its 
portfolio as “recognised at fair value through profit or loss”. 
Appropriately designated derivative financial instruments are 
used to hedge these parts of the portfolio.

3.5.5 Other intangible assets and internally developed assets 
Other intangible assets essentially comprise software, external 
IT  consulting  (in  connection  with  software  that  has  been 
 developed), internally developed assets (such as software) and 
assets identified during the acquisition of entities (such as brands 
and customer relationships). These assets are recognised at cost 
and are amortised on a straight­line basis over their useful lives. 
Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortised 
and are carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses.

All financing for intangible assets is generally obtained 
from the Baloise Group’s own financial resources. If funding 
from external sources is required, interest accrued during the 
assets’ development is capitalised as incurred. 

3.6 Investment property
Investment property comprises land and / or buildings held to 
earn rental income or for capital appreciation (or both). If mixed­
use properties cannot be broken down into owner­occupied 
property and property used by third parties, the entire  property 
is classified according to the purpose for which most of its floor 
space is used. If, owing to a change of use, an investment prop­
erty held by the Baloise Group becomes the latter’s owner­ occupied 
property, it is reclassified as property, plant and equipment. Any 
such reclassification is based on the property’s fair value at the 
reclassification date. By contrast, if one of the Baloise Group’s 
owner­occupied properties becomes an investment property 
owing to reclassification, then, on the date this change of use 
takes  effect,  the  difference  between  the  property’s  carrying 
amount and its fair value is recognised in profit or loss in the 
event of an impairment; or, if the property’s fair value exceeds 
its carrying amount, then the difference is recognised directly 
in equity as an unrealised gain. If an investment property that 
was reclassified in a previous period is sold, the amount recog­
nised  directly  in  equity  is  reclassified  to  retained  earnings. 
Invest ment property is measured at fair value under the dis­
counted cash flow (DCF) method. The current fair value of a 
property determined under the DCF method equals the sum 
total of all net income expected in future and discounted to its 
present value (before interest payments, taxes, depreciation and 
amortisation) and includes capital expenditure and renovation 
costs. The net income is determined individually for each prop­
erty, depending on the opportunities and risks associated with 
it, and is discounted in line with market rates and on a risk­ad­
justed basis. The measurement is carried out internally each 
year by experts using market­based assumptions that have been 

109

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

3.7.1 Financial assets recognised at fair value  

through profit or loss 
This category consists of two sub­categories: held­for­trading 
financial assets (trading portfolio) and financial assets that are 
designated to this category. Financial instruments are classified 
in this category if they have principally been acquired with the 
intention of selling them in the short term, or if they form part 
of a portfolio for which there have recently been indications 
that a gain could be realised in the short term, or if they have 
been designated to this category. Derivative financial instruments 
are classified as “held for trading” (trading portfolio) with the 
exception of derivatives that have been designated for hedge 
accounting purposes. Also designated to this category are struc­
tured products, i.e. equity instruments and debt instruments 
which, in addition to the host contract, contain embedded 
 derivatives that are not bifurcated and measured separately. 
Financial assets held under investment­linked life insurance 
contracts are also designated as “recognised at fair value through 
profit or loss”.

3.7.2 Held-to-maturity financial assets 
Held­to­maturity financial assets are non­derivative financial 
instruments involving fixed or determinable payments.  However, 
they do not include mortgages, loans (section 3.8) or receivables 
(section 3.9) that the Baloise Group can – and intends to – hold 
until maturity. 

3.7.3 Available-for-sale financial assets 
Available­for­sale financial assets are non­derivative financial 
instruments that have been classified as “available for sale” or 
have not been designated to any of the above­mentioned cate­
gories and are not classified as mortgages, loans or receivables.
Alternative financial assets – such as private equity in­
vestments and hedge funds – are mainly classified as “available 
for sale”.

3.7.4 Recognition, measurement and derecognition
All customary purchases of financial assets are recognised on 
the trade date. Financial assets are initially measured at fair 
value. Transaction costs form part of the acquisition cost (with 
the exception of financial assets recognised at fair value through 
profit or loss).

Financial assets are derecognised if the rights pertaining to the 
cash flows from the financial instrument have expired or if the 
financial instrument has been sold and substantially all the 
 associated risks and rewards have been transferred. Cash out­
flows from reverse repurchase (repo) transactions are offset by 
corresponding receivables. The financial assets received as col­
lateral security from the transaction are not recognised. The 
relevant transaction is recognised on the balance sheet on the 
settlement date. The financial assets transferred as collateral 
security under repurchase agreements continue to be recognised 
as financial assets. The pertinent cash flows are offset by corre­
sponding liabilities. In its stocklending operations the Baloise 
Group only engages in securities lending. The borrowed finan­
cial instruments continue to be recognised as financial assets. 
The securities provided as cover for repos, reverse repos and 
securities lending transactions are measured daily at their cur­
rent fair value.

Available­for­sale  financial  assets  and  financial  assets 
recognised at fair value through profit or loss are measured at 
fair value. Held­to­maturity financial assets are measured at 
amortised cost using the effective interest method. Realised and 
unrealised gains and losses on financial assets recognised at 
fair value through profit or loss are taken to income. Unrealised 
gains and losses on available­for­sale financial assets are rec­
ognised directly in equity. If available­for­sale financial assets 
are sold or impaired, the cumulative amount recognised  directly 
in equity is recognised in the income statement as a realised 
gain or loss on financial assets. Changes in the fair value of 
 financial assets’ risks that are covered by fair value hedges are 
recognised in the income statement for the duration of these 
hedges irrespective of the financial assets’ classification.

The fair value of listed financial assets is based on prices 
in active markets as at the balance sheet date. If no such prices 
are available, fair value is estimated using generally accepted 
methods  (such  as  the  present­value  method),  independent 
 assessments based on comparisons with the market prices of 
similar instruments, or the prevailing market situation. 

Derivative financial instruments are measured using  models 

or on the basis of publicly quoted prices.

110

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

If  no  publicly  quoted  prices  are  available  for  private   equity 
 investments, they are measured on the basis of their net asset 
value using non­public information from independent external 
providers. These providers use various methods for their esti­
mates (e.g. analysis of discounted cash flows and reference to 
similar, fairly recent arm’s­length transactions between knowl­
edgeable, willing parties).

If the fair value of hedge funds cannot be determined on 
the basis of publicly quoted prices, then prices quoted by inde­
pendent external parties are used for measurement purposes.
If such estimates do not enable financial assets to be reli­
ably measured, the assets are recognised at cost and disclosed 
accordingly.

3.8 Mortgages and loans
Mortgages and loans (including policy loans) are non­derivative 
financial instruments involving fixed or determinable payments 
that are not traded in an active market. Mortgages and loans 
classified as “carried at cost” are measured at amortised cost 
using the effective interest method. They are regularly tested 
for impairment.

Mortgages and loans held as part of fair value hedges (hedge 
accounting) are designated as “at fair value through profit or 
loss”. Present­value models are used to measure these  portfolios.

3.9 Receivables
Receivables from financial contracts dating from 2012 include 
life settlement agreements (secondary market policies) measured 
at fair value. The income­approach method is used for measure­
ment  purposes.  The  measurement  of  receivables  under  this 
method includes the guaranteed maturity value, future and 
already disbursed policyholders’ dividends, final policyholders’ 
dividends and risk­adjusted discount rates. Changes recognised 
in profit or loss are reported as gains or losses on financial con­
tracts.

All other receivables are recognised at amortised cost less 
any impairment losses recognised for non­performing receiv­
ables. Amortised cost is usually the same as the nominal amount 
of the receivables.

3.10 Permanent impairment

3.10.1 Financial assets measured under the amortised-cost 

method (mortgages, loans, receivables and held-to-maturity 

financial assets) 
The Baloise Group determines at each balance sheet date  whether 
there is any objective evidence that a financial asset or a group 
of financial assets may be permanently impaired. A financial 
asset or a group of financial assets is only impaired if, as a result 
of one or more events, there is objective evidence of impairment 
that has an impact on the expected future cash flows from the 
financial asset that can be reliably estimated. Objective evidence 
of a financial asset’s impairment includes observable data on 
the following cases: 
 → Serious financial difficulties on the part of the borrower
 → Breaches of contract, such as a borrower in default or 
arrears with the payment of principal and / or interest
 → Greater probability that the borrower will file for bank­
ruptcy or undergo some other form of restructuring
 → Observable data that indicates a measurable reduction  

in the expected future cash flows from a group of financial 
assets since their initial recognition.

Analysts’ reports from banks and evaluations by credit rating 
agencies are also used to assess the need for impairment losses. 
If there is objective evidence that loans and receivables or 
held­to­maturity financial assets may be permanently impaired, 
the impairment loss represents the difference between the asset’s 
carrying amount and the present value of future cash flows, 
which are discounted using the financial asset’s relevant effec­
tive interest rate. If the amount of the impairment loss  decreases 
in a subsequent reporting period and if this decrease can be 
attributed to an event that has objectively occurred since the 
impairment was recognised, the previously recognised impair­
ment loss is reversed. 

The mortgage portfolio is regularly tested for impairment. 
If there is objective evidence that the full amount owed under 
the original contractual terms and conditions or the relevant 
proceeds of a receivable cannot be recovered, an impairment 
loss is recognised. Loan exposures are individually evaluated 
based on the nature of the borrower concerned, its financial 
position, its credit history, the existence of any guarantors and, 
where appropriate, the realisable value of any collateral  security.

111

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

3.10.2 Financial assets measured at fair value 
The Baloise Group determines at each balance sheet date  whether 
there is any objective evidence that available­for­sale financial 
assets may be permanently impaired. This category includes 
financial instruments with characteristics of equity. An impair­
ment loss must be recognised on financial instruments with 
characteristics of equity whose fair value at the balance sheet 
date is more than 50 per cent below their acquisition cost or 
whose fair value is consistently below their acquisition cost 
throughout the twelve­month period preceding the balance sheet 
date. The need for an impairment loss is examined and, where 
necessary, such a loss is recognised on securities whose fair 
value at the balance sheet date is between 20 per cent and 50 
per cent below their acquisition cost. 

If an impairment loss is recognised, the cumulative net 
loss recognised directly in equity is taken to the income state­
ment.

Impairment losses on available­for­sale financial instru­
ments with characteristics of equity that have been recognised 
in profit or loss cannot be reversed and taken to income. Any 
further reduction in the fair value of financial instruments with 
characteristics of equity on which impairment losses were rec­
ognised in previous periods must be charged directly to the 
income statement. 

An impairment loss is recognised on available­for­sale 
financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities if their 
fair value is significantly impaired by default risk.

If the fair value of an available­for­sale financial instrument 
with characteristics of liabilities rises in a subsequent reporting 
period and this increase can be objectively attributed to an event 
that has occurred since an impairment loss was recognised in 
profit or loss, the impairment loss is reversed and taken to  income. 

112

3.10.3 Impairment losses on non-financial assets
Goodwill and any assets with indefinite useful lives are tested 
for impairment at the same time each year or whenever there 
is objective evidence of impairment. Goodwill is allocated to 
cash­generating units (CGUs) for the purposes of impairment 
testing. Insurance companies that sell both life and non­life 
products  (so­called  composite  insurers)  test  goodwill  for 
 impairment at this level. When impairment tests are performed, 
a CGU’s value in use is determined on the basis of the maximum 
discounted future cash flows (usually dividends) that could 
potentially be returned to the parent company. This process 
takes appropriate account of legal requirements and inter nally 
specified capital adequacy limits. The long­term financial plan­
ning approved by management forms the basis for this calcu­
lation of the value in use. Permanent impairment losses are 
recognised in the income statement as other operating  expenses. 
All other non­financial assets are tested for impairment when­
ever there is objective evidence of such impairment.

Impairment losses recognised in previous reporting  periods 
on assets with finite useful lives are reversed if the estimates 
used to determine the recoverable amount have changed since 
the most recent impairment loss was recognised. This increase 
constitutes a reversal of impairment losses. Impairment losses 
recognised in previous reporting periods on goodwill are not 
reversed. Impairment losses recognised in previous reporting 
periods on assets with indefinite useful lives are reversed and 
taken to income; however, the amount to which they are reversed 
must be no more than the amount recognised prior to the impair­
ment losses less depreciation or amortisation. 

3.11 Derivative financial instruments
Derivative financial instruments include swaps, futures, forward 
contracts and options whose value is primarily derived from 
the underlying interest rates, exchange rates, commodity  prices 
or share prices. The acquisition cost of derivatives is usually 
either very low or non­existent. These instruments are carried 
at fair value on the balance sheet. At the time they are purchased 
they are classified as either fair value hedges, cash flow hedges, 
hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation, or trading 
instruments. Derivative financial instruments that do not  qualify 
as hedges under IFRS criteria despite performing a hedging 
function as part of the Baloise Group’s risk management pro­
cedures are treated as trading instruments.

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

The Baloise Group’s hedge accounting system documents the 
effectiveness of hedges as well as the objectives and strategies 
pursued  with  each  hedge.  Hedge  effectiveness  is  constantly 
monitored  from  the  time  the  pertinent  derivative  financial 
 instruments are purchased. Derivatives that no longer qualify 
as hedges are reclassified as trading instruments. 

3.11.4 Hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation
Hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation are treated as 
cash flow hedges. When the effective portion of hedges is being 
accounted for, gains or losses on hedging instruments are rec­
ognised directly in equity. The ineffective portion of hedges is 
recognised in profit or loss. 

If the foreign operation – or part thereof – is sold, the gain 
or loss recognised directly in equity is taken to the income state­
ment. 

3.11.5 Derivative financial instruments that do not qualify  

as hedges
Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments 
that do not qualify as hedges are recognised in the income state­
ment as “realised gains and losses on investments”.

3.12 Netting of receivables and liabilities
Receivables and liabilities are offset against each other and shown 
as a net figure on the balance sheet provided that an offsetting 
option is available and the Baloise Group intends to realise these 
assets and liabilities simultaneously.

3.13 Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued 

operations
Non­current assets (or disposal groups) held for sale that meet 
the criteria stipulated in IFRS 5 “Non­current Assets Held for 
Sale and Discontinued Operations” are shown separately on the 
balance sheet. Those assets described in the standard are meas­
ured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less 
costs to sell. Any resultant impairment losses are taken to income. 
Any depreciation or amortisation is discontinued from the 
 reclassification date.

Details of discontinued operations – where available – are 

disclosed in the notes to the Financial Report.

3.11.1 Structured products
Structured products are equity instruments or debt instruments 
that contain embedded derivatives in addition to the host con­
tract. Provided that the economic characteristics and risks of 
the embedded derivative differ from those of the host contract 
and  that  this  derivative  qualifies  as  a  derivative  financial 
 instrument, the embedded derivative is bifurcated from the 
host contract and is separately recognised, measured and dis­
closed. If the derivative and the host contract are not  bifurcated, 
the structured product is designated as a host contract that is 
recognised at fair value through profit or loss.

3.11.2 Fair value hedges
When the effective portion of hedges is being accounted for, 
changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments 
classified as fair value hedges – plus the hedged portion of the 
fair value of the asset or liability concerned – are reported in 
the income statement. The ineffective portion of hedges is rec­
ognised separately in profit or loss.

3.11.3 Cash flow hedges
When the effective portion of hedges is being accounted for, 
changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments 
classified as cash flow hedges are recognised directly in equity. 
The amounts reported in equity as “unrealised gains and  losses 
(net)” are taken to the income statement at a later date in line 
with the hedged cash flows. The ineffective portion of hedges is 
recognised in profit or loss.

If a hedging instrument is sold, terminated or exercised 
or it no longer qualifies as a hedge, the cumulative gains and 
losses continue to be recognised directly in equity until the 
forecasted transaction materialises. If the forecasted transaction 
is no longer expected to materialise, the cumulative gains and 
losses recognised in equity are taken to income. 

113

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

3.14 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents essentially consist of cash, demand 
deposits, and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are predomi­
nantly short­term liquid investments and cheques that have yet 
to be cashed.

3.15 Equity
Equity instruments are classified as equity unless the Baloise 
Group is contractually obliged to repay them or to cede other 
financial assets. Transaction costs relating to equity transactions 
are deducted and all associated income tax assets are recognised 
as deductions from equity. 

3.15.1 Share capital
The share capital shown on the balance sheet represents the 
subscribed share capital of Bâloise Holding, Basel. This share 
capital consists solely of registered shares. No shares carry pref­
erential voting rights.

3.15.4 Unrealised gains and losses (net)
This item includes changes in the fair value of available­for­sale 
financial instruments, the net effect of cash flow hedges, the net 
effect of hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation,  exchange 
differences, and gains on the reclassification of the Baloise Group’s 
owner­occupied property as investment property.

Deductions from these unrealised gains and losses include 
the pertinent deferred taxes and, in the case of life insurance 
companies, also the funds that will be used in future to amor­
tise acquisition costs and to finance policyholders’ dividends 
(shadow accounting).

Any non­controlling interests are also deducted from these 

items. 

3.15.5 Retained earnings
Retained earnings include the Baloise Group’s undistributed 
earnings and its profit for the period. Dividends paid to the 
shareholders of Bâloise Holding are only recognised once they 
have been approved by the Annual General Meeting.

3.15.2 Capital reserves
Capital reserves include the paid­up share capital in excess of 
par value (share premium), Bâloise Holding share options, gains 
and losses on the purchase and sale of treasury shares, and 
embedded options in Bâloise Holding convertible bonds.

3.15.6 Non-controlling interests
Non­controlling interests constitute the proportion of Group 
companies’ equity attributable to third parties outside the 
Baloise Group on the basis of their respective shareholdings.

3.15.3 Treasury shares
Treasury shares held either by Bâloise Holding or by subsidi­
aries are shown in the consolidated financial statements at their 
acquisition cost (including transaction costs) as a deduction 
from equity. Their carrying amount is not constantly restated 
to reflect their fair value. If the shares are resold, the difference 
between their acquisition cost and their sale price is recognised 
as a change in the capital reserves. Only Bâloise Holding shares 
are classified as treasury shares.

3.16 Insurance contracts
An insurance contract is defined as a contract under which one 
party (the insurer) accepts a significant insurance risk from 
another party (the policyholder) to pay compensation should a 
specified contingent future event (the insured event) adversely 
affect the policyholder. An insurance risk is any directly insured 
or reinsured risk that is not a financial risk. 

The significance of insurance risk is assessed according 
to the amount of additional benefits to be paid by the insurer if 
the insured event occurs. 

Contracts that pose no significant insurance risk are 
 financial contracts. Such financial contracts may include a dis­
cretionary participation feature (DPF), which determines the 
accounting policies to be applied.

114

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

The  effective  interest  method  is  generally  used  to  calculate 
 receivables and liabilities arising from financial contracts. The 
effective interest rate is determined as the internal rate of return 
based on the estimated amounts and timing of the expected 
payments. If the amounts or timing of the actual payments  differ 
from those expected or if expectations change, the effective 
interest rate must be re­determined. The deposit account balance 
is then remeasured as if this new effective interest rate had  applied 
from the outset, and the change in the value of the deposit  account 
is recognised as interest income or interest expense. Otherwise, 
the insurance cover financed from the deposit account is  amortised 
over the expected term of the deposit account.

The Baloise Group considers an insurance risk to be sig­
nificant if, during the term of the contract and under a  plausible 
scenario, the payment triggered by the occurrence of the insured 
event is 5 per cent higher than the contractual benefits payable 
if the insured event does not occur. 

A discretionary participation feature (DPF) exists if the 
policyholder is contractually or legally entitled to receive  benefits 
over and above the benefits guaranteed and if 
 → the benefits received are likely to account for a significant 
proportion of the total benefits payable under the contract
 → the timing or amount of the benefits payable is contractu­

ally at the discretion of the insurer, and the benefits 
received are contractually contingent on the performance 
of either a specified portfolio of contracts or a specified 
type of contract, on the realised and / or unrealised capital 
gains on a specified portfolio of investments held by the 
insurer, or on the profit or loss reported by the insurer.
Captive insurance policies are derecognised from the annual 
financial statements. This also applies to contracts involving 
proprietary pension plans, provided that the employees covered 
by these plans work for the Baloise Group.

In addition, IFRS 4 makes exceptions for the treatment 
of embedded derivatives that form part of insurance contracts 
or financial contracts with discretionary participation features. 
If such embedded derivatives themselves qualify as insurance 
contracts, they do not have to be either separately measured or 
disclosed. In the case of the Baloise Group this affects, among 
other things, certain guarantees provided for annuity conversion 
rates and further special exceptions such as specific guaranteed 
cash surrender values for traditional policies.

3.17 Non-life insurance contracts
All standardised non­life products contain sufficient insurance 
risk to be classified as insurance contracts under IFRS 4. The 
non­life business conducted by the Baloise Group is broken 
down into seven main segments:
 → Accident 

All standard product lines typical of each relevant market 
are available in the accident insurance business. The 
Belgian market and Switzerland in particular also offer 
specific government­regulated occupational accident 
products that differ from the other products usually 
available.

 → Health  

The Baloise Group writes health insurance business in 
Switzerland and Belgium only. The benefits paid by the 
products in this segment cover the usual cost of treatment 
and also include a daily sickness allowance; they are 
available to individuals as well as small and medium­sized 
businesses in the form of so­called group insurance.

 → General liability 

In addition to conventional personal liability insurance 
the Baloise Group also sells third­party indemnity policies 
for certain professions. In Switzerland and Germany it 
offers policies – especially combined products – for small 
and medium­sized enterprises and for industrial partners 
that include features such as product liability.

 → Motor 

The two standardised products common in the market 
– comprehensive and third­party liability insurance –  
are sold in this segment. In some countries there are also 
products that have been specially designed for collabo­
rations with motoring organisations and individual auto­ 
motive companies.

 → Fire and other property insurance 

In addition to conventional home contents insurance this 
segment offers an extensive range of property policies that 
include fire insurance, buildings insurance and water 
damage insurance in all the varieties commonly available. 

 → Marine 

Marine insurance is mainly sold in Switzerland and 
Germany. These products may include a third­party 
liability component in addition to the usual cargo 
 insurance.

115

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

 → Miscellaneous 

This category generally comprises small segments such as 
credit protection insurance and legal expenses insurance. 
Provided that financial guarantees qualify as insurance 
contracts, they are treated as credit protection insurance 
policies.

3.17.1 Premiums
The gross premiums written are the premiums that have fallen 
due during the reporting period. They include the amount  needed 
to cover the insurance risk plus all surcharges. Premium con­
tributions that are attributable to future reporting periods are 
deferred by contract and – together with health insurance  reserves 
for old age and any deferred unearned premiums – constitute 
the unearned premium reserves shown on the balance sheet. 
Owing to the specific nature of marine insurance, premiums 
are deferred not by contract but on the basis of estimates. Pre­
miums that are actually attributable to the reporting period are 
recognised as premiums earned. Their calculation is based on 
the premiums written and the change in unearned premium 
reserves.

3.17.2 Claims reserves
At the end of each financial year the Baloise Group attaches 
great importance to setting aside sufficient reserves for all claims 
that have occurred by this date. 

In addition to the reserves that it recognises in respect of 
the payments to be made for claims that have occurred, it also 
sets aside reserves to cover the costs incurred during the claims 
settlement process. In order to calculate these reserves as real­
istically as possible, the Baloise Group uses the claims history 
of  recent  years,  generally  accepted  mathematical­statistical 
methods and all the information available to it at the time – 
especially knowledge about the expertise of those entrusted 
with the handling of claims. 

The total claims reserve consists of three components. 
Reserves calculated using actuarial methods form the basis of 
the total claims reserve. The second component comprises  reserves 
for those complex special cases and events that do not lend 
themselves to purely statistical evaluation. These are generally 
rare claims that are fairly atypical of the sector concerned – 
usually sizeable claims whose costs have to be estimated by 
experts on a case­by­case basis. Neither of these components is 
subject to discounting. The third component consists of reserves 
for annuities that are discounted using basic actuarial principles 

such as mortality and the technical interest rate and are  largely 
derived from claims in the motor, liability and accident  insurance 
businesses.

Actuarial methods are used to calculate by far the largest 
proportion of claims reserves. To this end, the Baloise Group 
selects actuarial forecasting methods that are appropriate for 
each  sector,  insurance  product  and  existing  claims  history. 
 Additional market data and assumptions obtained from insur­
ance rates are used if the claims history available on a  customer 
is inadequate. The Baloise Group mainly applies the chain­ ladder 
method, which is the most widely used, tried­and­tested pro­
cedure. This method involves estimating the number and amounts 
of claims incurred over time and the proportion of claims that 
are reported to the insurer either with a time lag or after the 
balance sheet date. The proportion of these so­called incurred­ 
but­not­reported  (IBNR)  claims  is  exceptionally  important, 
especially in operating segments involving third­party liability 
insurance. These estimates naturally factor in emerging claims 
trends as well as recoveries. The mean ratio of costs incurred to 
claims actually paid is essentially used to calculate reserves for 
claims handling costs.

The forecasting methods used cannot eliminate all the 
uncertainties  inherent  in  making  predictions  about  future 
 developments and trends. Nonetheless, systematic monitoring 
of the reserves recognised in a given financial year enables the 
Baloise Group to spot discrepancies as soon as possible and, 
consequently, to adjust the level of reserves and modify the 
forecasting method where necessary. This analysis is based on 
the so­called “run­off triangles” presented in aggregated form 
in section 5.4.5. The relevant calculations for typical property 
policies such as storm & tempest insurance or home contents 
insurance are usually based on the payments made over the past 
ten years. Larger amounts of data and, consequently, claims 
triangles that go further back in time and are based on both 
payments and expenses (payments plus reserves) are, of course, 
used for insurance segments with longer run­off periods, such 
as third­party liability. To supplement the Baloise Group’s var­
ious internal control mechanisms, its reserves – and the  methods 
used to calculate them – are regularly reviewed by external 
specialists. Mention should be made here of the liability ade­
quacy test described in detail in section 3.17.4. The Baloise Group 
takes great care to ensure that it complies with the pertinent 
financial reporting standard by performing the regularly required 
profitability analysis and examining whether, at the balance 
sheet date, it can actually meet all the liabilities that it has  taken 

116

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

on as an insurer. It immediately offsets any shortfall in its  reserves 
that it identifies.

3.17.3 Policyholders’ dividends and participation in profits
Insurance contracts can provide customers with a share of the 
surpluses and profits generated by their policies (especially those 
arising from their claims history). The expenses incurred by 
policyholders’ dividends and participation in profits are derived 
from the dividends paid plus the changes in the pertinent reserves.

3.17.4 Liability adequacy test
A liability adequacy test (LAT) is carried out at each balance 
sheet date to ascertain whether – taking all known developments 
and trends into consideration – the Baloise Group’s existing 
reserves are adequate. 

To this end, all existing reserves – both claims reserves 
(including reserves for claims handling costs) and annuity re­
serves in the non­life segment – are first analysed and, if a short­
fall is identified, the relevant reserves are then strengthened 
accordingly.  This  analysis  explicitly  includes  IBNR  claims, 
thereby ensuring that adequate reserves are available for all 
claims that have already occurred.

The liability adequacy test required by IFRS must also 
examine whether the Baloise Group has incurred any further 
liabilities for subsequent periods (future business) besides all 
its existing contracts maintained during the reporting period. 
Such business arises, for example, when contracts are auto­
matically extended at the end of the year on the same terms and 
conditions. Taking account of all the latest data and trends, 
Baloise conducts a profitability analysis of its insurance business 
during the reporting year in order to check whether an adequate 
level of premiums has been charged and, implicitly, whether 
these liabilities are therefore covered. This amounts to an anal­
ysis of unearned premium reserves and an impairment test of 
deferred acquisition costs at the same time. If a loss is expected 
to be incurred (also applies to other loss­making insurance 
contracts in existence at the balance sheet date), the deferred 
acquisition costs are initially reduced by the respective amount. 
If the total amount of deferred acquisition costs is insufficient 
or if the resultant liability cannot be covered in full, a separate 
provision for impending losses equivalent to the residual amount 
is recognised under other technical reserves.

3.18 Life insurance contracts and financial contracts  

with discretionary participation features
IFRS 4 gives users the option of accounting for insurance con­
tracts and financial contracts with discretionary participation 
features by continuing to apply the existing accounting policies 
described in section 1 below to both liabilities and to the assets 
resulting directly from the pertinent contracts (deferred acqui­
sition costs and present value of future profits from acquired 
business).

The following life insurance products offered by the Baloise 
Group contain sufficient insurance risk to be classified as  insurance 
contracts under IFRS 4:
 → Endowment policies (both conventional and unit­linked 

life insurance)

 → Swiss group life business (BVG),
 → Term insurance
 → Immediate annuities
 → Deferred annuities with annuity conversion rates that are 

guaranteed at the time the policy is purchased

 → All policy riders such as premium waiver, accidental death, 

and disability

The accounting policies applied by the Baloise Group are  described 
below. 

3.18.1 General accounting policies 
The accounting policies applied to traditional life insurance 
vary according to the type of profit participation agreed. Pre­
miums are recognised as income and benefits are recognised as 
expense at the time they fall due. The amount of reserves set 
aside in each case is determined by actuarial principles or by 
the net premium principle, which ensures that the level of  reserves 
generated from premiums remains consistent over time. The 
actuarial assumptions used to calculate reserves at the time that 
contracts are signed either constitute best estimates with  explicit 
safety margins for specific business lines or they are determined 
in accordance with local loss reserving practice and thus also 
factor in safety margins. The assumptions used are locked in 
throughout the term of the contract unless a liability adequacy 
test reveals that the resultant reserves need to be strengthened 
after the deferred acquisition costs (DACs) and the present  value 
of future profits (PVFP) on acquired insurance contracts have 
been deducted. Unearned premium reserves, reserves for final 
dividend payments and certain unearned revenue reserves (URRs) 
are also recognised as components of the actuarial reserve.

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Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

A liability adequacy test is performed on all life insurance  business 
at each balance sheet date. This involves calculating a reserve 
at the measurement date that factors in all future cash flows 
(such  as  insurance  benefits,  surpluses  and  contract­ related 
 administrative expenses) based on the best estimates available 
for the assumptions used at the time. If the minimum reserve 
calculated in this way for individual business lines exceeds the 
reserve available at the time, any existing deferred acquisition 
cost or present value of future profits is reduced and, if this is 
not enough, the reserve is immediately increased to the mini­
mum level and this increase is recognised in profit or loss.

3.18.2 Present value of future profits (PVFP)  

on insurance contracts acquired
The present value of future profits on insurance contracts  acquired 
constitutes an identifiable intangible asset that arises from the 
purchase of a life insurance company or life insurance port folio. 
It is initially measured in accordance with actuarial principles 
and is amortised on a straight­line basis. It is regularly tested 
for impairment as part of a liability adequacy test.

3.18.3 Deferral of acquisition costs
Acquisition costs are deferred. They are amortised either over 
the premium payment period or over the term of the insurance 
policy, depending on the type of contract involved. They are 
tested for impairment as part of a liability adequacy test.

3.18.4 Unearned revenue reserve (URR)
The unearned revenue reserve comprises premiums that are 
charged for services rendered in future periods. These premiums 
are deferred and amortised in the same way as deferred acqui­
sition costs.

3.18.5 Policyholders’ dividends
A large proportion of life insurance contracts confer on policy­
holders the right to receive dividends.

Surpluses are reimbursed in the form of increased bene­
fits, reduced premiums or final policyholders’ dividends or are 
accrued at interest to a surplus account. Surpluses already dis­
tributed and accrued at interest are reported as policyholders’ 
dividends credited and reserves for future policyholders’ divi­
dends (section 23). The relevant interest expense is reported as 
interest expenses on insurance liabilities. Surpluses that have 
been used to finance an increase in insurance benefits are rec­
ognised in actuarial reserves. All investment income derived 
from  unit­linked  life  insurance  contracts  is  credited  to  the 
policy holder.

IFRS  4  introduces  the  concept  of  a  discretionary  par­
ticipation feature (DPF), which is of relevance not only for the 
classification of contracts but also for the disclosure of surplus 
reserves according to policyholders’ share of the unrealised gains 
and losses recognised directly in equity under IFRS and their 
share of the increases and decreases recognised in profit or loss 
in the consolidated financial statements compared with the 
financial statements prepared in accordance with local account­
ing standards. IFRS 4 states here that the portion of an insurance 
contract’s liability that is attributable to a discretionary partic­
ipation feature (“DPF component”) must be reported  separately. 
This standard does not provide any clear guidance as to how 
this DPF component should be measured and disclosed.

When accounting for contracts that contain discretionary 
participation features, the Baloise Group treats measurement 
differences that are attributable to such contracts and are cred­
ited to policyholders according to a legal or contractual minimum 
quota as a DPF component. Distributable retained earnings and 
eligible unrealised gains and losses of fully consolidated sub­
sidiaries are allocated pro rata to the DPF components of the 
life insurance company concerned. The DPF component calcu­
lated in this way is reported as part of the reserves for future 
policyholders’ dividends (section 23). These reserves include 
policyholders’ dividends that are unallocated and have been set 
aside as a reserve under local accounting standards.

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Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

If no legal or contractual minimum quota has been stipulated, 
the Baloise Group defines a discretionary participation feature 
as the currently available reserve for premium refunds after 
allowing for final policyholders’ dividends. Unless a minimum 
quota has been stipulated, all other measurement differences 
between the local and IFRS financial statements are recognised 
directly in equity.

The applicable minimum quotas prescribed by law, con­
tract, or Baloise’s articles of association vary from country to 
country. 

Life insurance companies operating in Germany and  Austria 
and in some areas of Swiss group life business are required by 
law to distribute a minimum proportion of their profits to policy­
holders in the form of dividends. 

Policyholders  in  Germany  must  receive  a  share  of  the 
profits generated. Any losses incurred are borne by share holders. 
Policyholders are entitled to 90 per cent of investment income 
(minus the technical interest rate), 75 per cent of the net profit 
on risk exposures, and 50 per cent of other surpluses. The  articles 
of association of Basler Lebensversicherungs­AG, Germany, 
additionally stipulate a minimum quota of 95 per cent for part 
of its insurance portfolio.

In Austria the minimum quota is stipulated in the terms 

and conditions of each contract. It is usually 90 per cent.

Minimum quotas are also applied to some of the Baloise 
Group’s Swiss occupational pensions (BVG) business, which is 
subject to the legal quotas of 100 per cent for changes in liabil­
ities and 90 per cent for changes in assets.

3.19 Reinsurance
Reinsurance contracts are insurance contracts between insur­
ance companies and / or reinsurance companies. There must be 
a transfer of risk for a transaction to be recognised as reinsur­
ance; otherwise the transaction is treated as a financial contract.
Inward reinsurance is recognised in the same period as 
the initial risk. The relevant technical reserves are reported as 
gross unearned premium reserves or gross claims reserves for 
non­life insurance and as gross actuarial reserves for life insur­
ance. In non­life insurance they are estimated as realistically 
as possible based on empirical values and the latest information 
available, while in life insurance they are recognised as a reserve 
to cover the original transaction. Outward reinsurance is the 
business ceded to insurance companies outside the Baloise Group 
and includes transactions ceded from direct life and non­life 
business and from inward insurance.

Assets arising from outward reinsurance are calculated over 
the same periods and on the same basis as the original trans­
action and are reported as reinsurance assets (section 16). Impair­
ment losses are recognised in profit or loss for assets deemed to 
be at risk owing to the impending threat of insolvency.

3.20 Liabilities arising from banking business  

and financial contracts

3.20.1 With discretionary participation features 
Financial contracts with discretionary participation features 
are capital accumulated by customers that entitles them to receive 
policyholders’ dividends. The accounting principles applied to 
these financial contracts are the same as those for life insurance 
contracts; the accounting policies for life insurance are described 
in section 3.18.

3.20.2 Measured at amortised cost
Liabilities measured at amortised cost include savings deposits, 
medium­term bonds, mortgage­backed bonds, other liabilities 
and financial guarantees that do not qualify as insurance con­
tracts. They are initially measured at their acquisition cost (fair 
value). 

The difference between acquisition cost and redemption 
value is recognised in profit or loss over the term of the  liability 
as “gains or losses on financial contracts” under the amortised­cost 
method and the effective interest method. 

3.20.3 Recognised at fair value through profit or loss 
This item includes financial contracts for which the holder bears 
the entire investment risk as well as banking liabilities that are 
designated as “at fair value through profit or loss” as part of the 
Baloise Group’s strategy of using natural hedges. 

119

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Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

3.21 Financial liabilities
The financial liabilities reported under this line item comprise 
the bonds issued in the capital markets (except for the bonds 
issued by the Banking operating segment). Financial liabilities 
are initially measured at their acquisition cost (fair value). 
 Acquisition cost includes transaction costs. 

The difference between acquisition cost and redemption 
value is recognised in profit or loss over the term of the liab ility 
as borrowing costs under the amortised­cost method and the 
effective interest method. 

The convertible bond issued by Bâloise Holding  comprises 
a liability and an embedded option (right to convert the bond 
into Bâloise Holding shares). The fair value of the embedded 
option is determined at the balance sheet date and is recognised 
separately in equity. The acquisition cost of the liability com­
ponent corresponds to the present value of future cash flows at 
the time the bond is issued. The discount rate used is the mar­
ket interest rate applicable to similar bonds without any con­
version or option rights.

3.22 Employee benefits
The benefits that the Baloise Group grants to its employees com­
prise all forms of remuneration that is paid in return for work 
performed or in special circumstances.

The benefits available include short­term benefits (such 
as wages and salaries), long­term benefits (such as long­service 
bonuses), termination benefits (such as severance pay and social 
compensation plan benefits) and post­employment benefits. The 
benefits described below may be especially significant owing to 
their scale and scope.

3.22.1 Post-employment benefits
The main post­employment benefits provided are retirement 
pensions, employer contributions to mortgage payments, and 
certain insurance benefits. Although these benefits are paid 
after employees have ceased to work for the Baloise Group, they 
are funded while the staff members concerned are still actively 
employed. All the pension benefits currently provided by the 
Baloise  Group  are  defined  benefit  plans.  The  projected  unit 
credit method is used to calculate the pertinent pension liab­
ilities.

Assets corresponding to these liabilities are only recognised if 
they are ceded to an entity other than the employer (such as a 
foundation). Such assets are measured at fair value. Changes to 
assumptions, discrepancies between the planned and actual 
returns  on  plan  assets,  and  differences  between  the  benefit 
 entitlements  effectively  received  and  those  calculated  using 
 actuarial assumptions give rise to actuarial gains and losses 
that must be recognised directly in other comprehensive income.
The Baloise Group’s pension plan agreements are tailored 
to local conditions in terms of enrolment and the range of ben­
efits offered.

3.22.2 Share-based payments 
The Baloise Group offers its employees and senior executives 
the chance to participate in various plans under which shares 
are granted as part of their overall remuneration packages. The 
Employee Incentive Plan, Share Subscription Plan, Employee 
Share Ownership Plan, performance quota and performance 
share units (PSUs) are measured and disclosed in compliance 
with IFRS 2 Share­based Payment. Plans that are paid in Bâloise 
Holding shares are measured at fair value on the grant date, 
charged as personnel expenses during the vesting period and 
recognised directly in equity. Plans that are paid in cash and 
whose amount is determined by the market value of Bâloise 
Holding shares are recognised at fair value on the balance sheet 
date and reported as a liability.

3.23 Provisions
Provisions for restructuring or legal claims are recognised for 
present legal or constructive obligations when it is probable that 
an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be 
required to settle the obligations and a reliable estimate can be 
made of the amounts of the obligations. The amount recognised 
as a provision is the best estimate of the expenditure expected 
to  be  required  to  settle  the  obligation.  If  the  amount  of  the 
obligation cannot be estimated with sufficient reliability, it is 
reported as a contingent liability.

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Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

3.24 Taxes
Provisions for deferred income taxes are recognised under the 
liability method, which means that they are based either on the 
current tax rate or on the rate expected in future. Deferred 
income taxes reflect the tax­related impact of temporary differ­
ences between the assets and liabilities reported in the IFRS 
financial statements and those reported for tax purposes. When 
deferred income taxes are calculated, tax loss carryforwards 
are only recognised to the extent that sufficient taxable profit is 
likely to be earned in future.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset against each 
other and shown as a net figure in cases where the criteria for 
such offsetting have been met. This is usually the case if the  
tax jurisdiction, the taxable entity and the type of taxation are 
identical.

3.25 Revenue recognition
Revenue and income are recognised at the fair value of the con­
sideration received or receivable. Intercompany transactions 
and the resultant gains and losses are eliminated. Recognition 
of revenue and income is described below. 

3.25.1 Income from services rendered 
Income from services rendered is recognised in the period in 
which the service is provided. 

3.25.2 Interest income
Interest income from financial instruments that are not recog­
nised at fair value through profit or loss is recognised under the 
effective interest method. If a receivable is impaired, it is writ­
ten down to its recoverable amount, which corresponds to the 
present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the 
contract’s original interest rate. 

3.25.3 Dividend income
Dividend income from financial assets is recognised as soon as 
a legal entitlement to receive payment arises.

4. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES  

AND ESTIMATE UNCERTAINTIES
The Baloise Group’s consolidated annual financial statements 
contain assumptions and estimates that can impact on the  annual 
financial statements for the following financial year. Estimates 
and the exercise of discretion by management are kept under 
constant review and are based on empirical values and other 
factors – including expectations about future events – that are 
deemed to be appropriate on the date that the balance sheet is 
prepared. 

4.1 Fair value of various balance sheet line items
Where available, prices in active markets are used to determine 
fair value. If no publicly quoted prices are available or if the 
market is judged to be inactive, fair value is either estimated 
based on the present value or is determined using measurement 
methods. These methods are influenced to a large extent by the 
assumptions used, which include discount rates and estimates 
of  future  cash  flows.  The  Baloise  Group  primarily  uses  fair  
values; if no such values are available, it applies its own models. 
Detailed information about fair value measurement can be found 
in section 5.10.

The following asset classes are measured at fair value:
 → Investment property 

The discounted cash flow (DCF) method is used to 
determine the fair value of investment property. The 
assumptions and estimates used for this purpose are 
described in section 3.6.

 → Financial instruments with characteristics of equity and 
financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities 

(available for sale or recognised at fair value through profit 

or loss) 
Fair value is based on prices in active markets. If no 
quoted market prices are available, fair value is estimated 
using generally accepted methods (such as the present­value 
method), independent assessments based on comparisons 
with the market prices of similar instruments, or the pre­ 
vailing market situation. Derivative financial instruments 
are measured using models or on the basis of quoted 
market prices. If no publicly quoted prices are available for 
private equity investments, they are measured on the basis 
of their net asset value using non­public information from 
independent external providers. These providers use various 
methods for their estimates (e.g. analysis of discounted 

121

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

cash flows and reference to similar, fairly recent arm’s­
length transactions between knowledgeable, willing 
parties). If such estimates do not enable financial assets to 
be reliably measured, the assets are recognised at cost and 
disclosed accordingly. Publicly quoted prices are used to 
determine the fair value of hedge funds. If no such prices 
are available, prices quoted by independent third parties 
are used to determine fair value.

 → Mortgages and loans (recognised at fair value through  

profit or loss) 
Mortgages and loans are designated as ‘at fair value 
through profit or loss’ as part of the Baloise Group’s 
strategy of using natural hedges. Yield curves are used  
to measure these portfolios.

 → Financial contracts (recognised at fair value through  

profit or loss) 
Life settlement agreements (secondary market policies) 
dating from 2012 are measured at fair value. The income­ 
approach method is used for measurement purposes. The 
measurement of such agreements under this method 
includes the guaranteed maturity value, future and already 
disbursed policyholders’ dividends, final policyholders’ 
dividends, and risk­adjusted discount rates.

The following financial liabilities are measured at fair value:
 → Liabilities arising from banking business and financial 

contracts (recognised at fair value through profit or loss) 
Liabilities arising from investment­linked life insurance 
contracts involving little or no transfer of risk are meas­
ured at fair value based on the capitalised investments 
underlying these liabilities.
 → Derivative financial instruments 

Models or quoted market prices are used to determine the 
fair value of derivative financial instruments.

4.2 Financial instruments with characteristics  

of liabilities (held to maturity) 
The Baloise Group applies the provisions of IAS 39 when clas­
sifying  non­derivative  financial  instruments  with  fixed  or 
 determinable payments as ‘held to maturity’. To this end, it 
assesses its intention and ability to hold these financial instru­
ments to maturity. 

If – contrary to its original intention – these financial 
instruments are not held to maturity (with the exception of 
specific circumstances such as the disposal of minor investments), 

122

the Baloise Group must reclassify all held­to­maturity financial 
instruments as ‘available for sale’ and measure them at fair  value. 
Section 12 contains information on the fair values of the finan­
cial instruments with characteristics of liabilities that are clas­
sified as ‘held to maturity’.

4.3 Impairment
The Baloise Group determines at each balance sheet date  whether 
there is any objective evidence that financial assets may be per­
manently impaired.
 → Financial instruments with characteristics of equity 

(available for sale) 
An impairment loss must be recognised on available­ 
for­sale financial instruments with characteristics of 
equity whose fair value at the balance sheet date is more 
than 50 per cent below their acquisition cost or whose fair 
value is consistently below their acquisition cost through­
out the twelve­month period preceding the balance sheet 
date. The Baloise Group examines whether it needs to 
recognise impairment losses on securities whose fair value 
at the balance sheet date is between 20 per cent and 50 per 
cent below their acquisition cost. Such assessments of the 
need to recognise impairment losses consider various 
factors such as the volatility of the securities concerned, 
credit ratings, analysts’ reports, economic conditions and 
sectoral prospects.

 → Financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities 

(available for sale or held to maturity) 
Objective evidence of a financial asset’s impairment 
includes observable data on the following cases:
 – Serious financial difficulties on the part of the borrower
 – Breaches of contract, such as a borrower in default or 
arrears with the payment of principal and / or interest

 – Greater probability that the borrower will file for 

bankruptcy or undergo some other form of restructuring 
 – Observable data that indicates a measurable reduction in 
the expected future cash flows from a group of financial 
assets since their initial recognition.

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

 → Analysts’ reports from banks and evaluations by credit 
rating agencies are also used to assess the need for 
impairment losses.

 → Mortgages and loans (carried at cost) 

The mortgage portfolio is regularly tested for impairment. 
The methods and assumptions used in these tests are also 
regularly reviewed in order to minimise any discrepancies 
between the actual and expected probabilities of default.

4.4 Deferred income taxes
Unused tax loss carryforwards and other deferred tax assets are 
recognised if it is more likely than not that they will be realised. 
To this end, the Baloise Group makes assumptions about the 
recoverability of these tax assets; these assumptions are based 
on the financial track record and future income of the taxable 
entity concerned.

4.5 Estimate uncertainties specific to insurance 
Estimate uncertainties pertaining to actuarial risk are discussed 
from section 5.4 onwards.

4.6 Provisions
The measurement of provisions requires assumptions to be made 
about the probability, timing and amount of any outflows of 
resources embodying economic benefits. A provision is recog­
nised if such an outflow of resources is probable and can be 
reliably estimated.

4.7 Employee benefits
In calculating its defined benefit obligations towards its em­
ployees, the Baloise Group makes assumptions about the  expected 
return on plan assets, the economic benefits embodied in assets, 
future increases in salaries and pension benefits, the discount 
rate   applicable  and  other  parameters.  The  most  important 
 assumptions are derived from past experience of making esti­
mates. The assumptions factored into these calculations are 
discussed in section 18.2.7.

4.8 Goodwill impairment
Goodwill is tested for impairment in the second half of each 
year or whenever there is objective evidence of impairment. 
Such impairment tests involve calculating a value in use that is 
largely based on estimates such as the financial planning  approved 
by management and the discount rates and growth rates  mentioned 
in section 9.

123

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

5. MANAGEMENT OF INSURANCE RISK AND FINANCIAL RISK 
The companies in the Baloise Group offer their customers non-
life insurance, life insurance and banking products (the latter 
in Switzerland and, on a restricted basis, in Germany). Conse-
quently, the Baloise Group is exposed to a range of risks. 

The main risks in the non-life insurance sector are natu-
ral disasters, major industrial risks, third-party liability and 
personal injury. The insurance business as a whole is examined 
regularly by means of extensive analytical studies. The results 
of this analysis are taken into account when setting aside reserves, 
fixing insurance rates and structuring insurance products and 
reinsurance contracts. In the non-life sector, studies focusing 
on the risks arising from natural disasters have been carried 
out in recent years. On some of them we worked with reinsur-
ance companies and brokers to determine the level of exposure 
to these risks and the extent of risk transfer required. 

The predominant risks in the life insurance sector are the 

following biometric risks: 
 → longevity risk (annuities and pure endowment policies),
 → mortality risk (whole-life and endowment life insurance),
 → disability risk (in the sense of the risk of premiums 

proving insufficient due to an adverse disability claims 
history). 

Because the Group issues interest-rate guarantees, it is 
also exposed to interest-rate risk. There are also implicit finan-
cial guarantees and options which also affect liquidity, invest-
ment planning and the income generated by Group companies; 
they include guaranteed surrender prices when policyholders 
cancel and guaranteed annuity factors on commencement of 
the payout phase of annuities.

Longevity, mortality and disability rates are risks  specific 
to life insurance and are monitored on an ongoing basis. The 
companies in the Baloise Group review and analyse mortality 
rates among their local customer bases, along with the  frequency 
with which policies are cancelled, invalidated and reactivated. 
For this analysis, they generally use standard market statistics 
that  are  compiled  by  actuaries  and  include  adequate  safety 
 margins. The information they gather is used for ensuring rates 
are adequate and also for setting aside sufficient reserves to meet 
future insurance liabilities. Because rates are required by law 
to be calculated conservatively, and the statistical base is rela-
tively good, the risks in this area are manageable. In the field 

124

of annuities, there is an additional trend risk in the form of  
a steady rise in life expectancy which is resulting in ever longer 
annuity payout periods. This risk is addressed by the addition 
of suitable factors to the basis for calculation. 

Managing participating insurance contracts is an addi-
tional method of mitigating risk. For example, bringing policy-
holders’ dividends into line with altered circumstances as far 
as permitted by local regulations is one option that could be 
taken if the risk situation were to change. However, the allo-
cation of surpluses between policyholders and the Company  
is not only subject to local law, it is also governed by market 
 expectations.

The main risk categories to which the Banking division 
of the Baloise Group is exposed are credit risk, interest-rate risk 
and liquidity risk. These risks are identified and managed  locally 
by the banks. The loan portfolio is reviewed and analysed on 
an ongoing basis. A range of tools is used for this purpose, 
 including standardised credit regulations and procedures, scor-
ing and rating procedures, focusing on low-risk markets and 
the use of an automated arrears system. The information obtained 
is incorporated into credit decisions. Balance sheet risks (inter-
est-rate and liquidity risks) are managed by the banks’ asset and 
liability  management  (ALM)  committees. The  data  and  key 
figures required are determined and calculated using a  specialist 
IT application.

Deutscher Ring Bausparkasse AG is also exposed to what 
is known as collective risk, which means that the building  society 
customers are collectively responsible for the fair allocation of 
home savings contracts over the long term. Mathematical sim-
ulations are used to show that this collective responsibility can 
be met, provided the fluctuation reserve remains at least  greater 
than zero over the long term. Deutscher Ring Bausparkasse uses 
a simulation model to monitor and manage its collective risk.
The model makes a future projection of the building  society’s 
total collective holdings on an individual contract basis, incor-
porating  new  business  scenarios  and  patterns  of  behaviour 
observed in the past.

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

Triggered by the threat of a pandemic, the existing disaster 
recovery plans for extraordinary events – such as natural dis-
asters, wildfires, terrorist attacks, etc. – have been reviewed at 
all Group companies since 2007, and a pandemic scenario has 
been added. Additional disaster recovery plans have been cre-
ated to ensure that business operations can be continued with 
severely reduced staff numbers. Several pandemic contingency 
exercises were carried out at our Swiss site in 2008. In summer 
2009, during the WHO phase 6 pandemic alert, all employees 
in Switzerland were issued with a personal protection kit, and 
Pandemic Web – the inhouse management and information 
system – went online. Since 2008, management decisions before, 
during and after a crisis have been prepared by Group Crisis 
Management, the head of which reports directly to the Group 
CEO. The composition of the crisis management team varies 
according to the type of risk involved (insurance, banking, finan-
cial, solvency, reputation). The crisis management team was not 
convened in 2011 because the E. coli outbreak was largely  restricted 
to Germany and was officially declared at an end in late July 
2011. There were no occurrences of note in 2013. Plans are on 
hold at present and the situation is being monitored, although 
experts from companies such as Swiss Re believe the outbreak 
of a pandemic remains a major risk.

5.1 Organisation of risk management in the Baloise Group
The Baloise Group’s insurance and banking activities in various 
European countries, as well as its global investments, expose it 
to market risks such as currency risk, credit risk, interest-rate 
risk and liquidity risk.

The Baloise Group has implemented a comprehensive, 
Group-wide risk management system in all of its insurance and 
banking entities. Its Group-wide Risk Management Standards 
focus on the following areas:
 → Organisation and responsibilities
 → Methods, regulations and limits
 → Risk control
An overall set of rules governs all activities directly connected 
with risk management and ensures that they are compatible 
with one another. 

At the highest level, internal and external risk bands  restrict 
and manage the overall risks incurred by the Group and the 
individual business units. 

At the level exposed to financial and business risk, various 
limits and regulations restrict the individual risks that have 
been identified to a level that is acceptable for the Group, or 
eliminate them completely.

Within the Group and within each business unit, a risk 
owner is responsible for each individual risk that has been iden-
tified. Risk owners are allocated according to a hierarchy of 
responsibility. The Group’s overall risk owner is the chief exec-
utive officer of the Baloise Group. Alongside the risk owners, 
defined risk controllers are responsible for systematic risk  control 
and risk reporting. When selecting risk controllers, particular 
care is taken to ensure that their role is independent of the risk 
they control. Risk control within the Baloise Group focuses on 
investment risk, business risk (actuarial and banking risks), 
risks to the Group’s financial structure, and compliance. The 
Group’s overall risk controller is the chief executive officer of 
the Baloise Group.

The Baloise Group’s risk map is a categorisation of the 

risks it has identified. The risks are divided into three levels:
 → Category of risk
 → Sub-category of risk
 → Type of risk
The business-risk, investment-risk and financial-structure-risk 
categories relate directly to the Baloise Group’s core businesses. 
These risks are deliberately incurred, managed and optimised 
by the management team and various risk committees.  Analysis 
of these risks is model-based and it ultimately results in an 
aggregate overview.

Business-environment risk, operational risk and manage-
ment & information risk arise as direct or indirect results of the 
business operations, business environment or strategic activities 
of each company. Risks of this type are also quantified, assessed 
and managed.

Because all risks are quantified, it is possible to analyse 
the relevance of each risk to the overall risk situation of the 
Baloise Group and/or the individual companies. 

125

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

The Baloise Group’s central risk management team forms part 
of Corporate Division Finance and reports to the Group Chief 
Risk Officer, who in turn reports to the Group CFO. It coordi-
nates intra-Group policies, risk reporting and the  technical 
development of suitable risk-management processes and tools. 
Every month, it tracks developments in the financial  markets 
and their impact on the risk portfolio and the individual risk 
capacity of all the business units and the Group as a whole. The 
relevant risk owners and risk controllers verify the figures that 

have been computed and incorporate them into their manage-
ment decisions.

Non-diversifiable market risk is monitored and managed 
by central and local units using means such as stochastic  methods 
and comprehensive scenario analysis.

Semi-annual reporting is undertaken for each identified risk 
category. Every business unit prepares a risk report on which the 
Group risk report is based. Key figures for the financial and actu- 
arial risks incurred by the Group and each strategic business unit 
are reported on a monthly basis using a risk  control application.

RISK MAP

Business risks

Investment risks

Financial  

Business  

Operational risks

Management / 

structure risks

environment risks

information risks

Technical risks Life

Market risks

Asset liability risks

Changes to regulations

Computer security

Structure of  

 → Interest guarantee 

 → Interest

 → Interest fluctuation 

 → Data

organisation

 → Parameter risks

 → Shares

risk

Market / competitors

 → Software /  

 → Worst-case scenario

 → Currencies

 → (Re) financing,  

hardware /network

Corporate culture

 → Creation of  

 → Real estate

liquidity

External events

 → Physical reliability

provisions

 → Market liquidity

Business portfolio

 → Derivatives 

Regulatory provisions

Investors

Personnel risks

Technical risks Nonlife

 → Alternative 

 → Skills / capacities

Merger and acquisitions

 → Premiums

 → Claims

investments

Risk capitalisation

 → Worst-case scenario

Credt risks

 → Creation of  

provisions

Reinsurance

 → Premiums / rating

 → Default

 → Active reinsurance

Loan management

126

 → Knowledge availability

 → Incentive systems

External  

Legal risks

 → Contracts

communication

Projection, plan,  

 → Liability and litigation

budget

 → Tax

 → Pension fund

Project portfolio

Compliance

Management  

 → Breach of Standards

information

 → Fraud / illegal actions

Business processes

 → Process risks

 → Project risks

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

tive  reinsurance  cover  on  a  case-by-case  basis.  This  type  of 
 reinsurance is extremely dependent on the individual risk in 
each case and it is therefore placed by the business units  themselves.
Reinsurance  contracts  may  only  be  entered  into  with 
counterparties that have been authorised in advance by Cor-
porate  Division  Finance.  Reinsurers  must  generally  have  a 
 minimum rating of A– from Standard & Poor’s, but in excep-
tional cases – and in specific circumstances – a BBB+ rating or 
a comparable rating from another recognised rating agency is 
permitted. However, these reinsurance contracts are only used 
for property insurance business that can be settled quickly. This 
rule does not apply to captives and pools that are active rein-
surance companies because they do not generally have ratings. 
Reinsurer credit risk is reviewed on a regular basis. A 
watch list is kept of reinsurers that are bankrupt or in financial 
difficulties. The list contains details of all relationships the Group 
has with these reinsurers, receivables due to the Group that are 
outstanding or have been written off and provisions the Group 
has recognised. The watch list is updated periodically. 

The same requirements for reinsurers apply to life insur-
ance as to non-life insurance, although reinsurance is a less 
important instrument for ceding risk in life insurance business.

5.4 Non-life

5.4.1 Actuarial risk 
The Baloise Group primarily underwrites insurance risk for 
private individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises in 
selected countries in mainland Europe. Business with  industrial 
clients is also conducted in Switzerland and Germany. Under-
writing risk is limited by monitoring and adjusting rates and 
maintaining underwriting policies and limits appropriate to 
the size of each portfolio and the country in which it is located.

5.2 Life and non-life underwriting strategies
The Baloise Group primarily underwrites insurance risk for 
private individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises in 
selected countries in mainland Europe. Industrial insurance in 
the property and third-party liability, marine and technical 
insurance sectors is largely provided by Baloise Insurance in 
Basel or its branch in Bad Homburg (Germany) and our Belgian 
business unit Baloise Insurance Belgium. In this particularly 
high-risk segment, central management of industrial insurance 
ensures consistent quality and a high degree of transparency 
for the business underwritten. 

Every business unit in the Baloise Group issues regulations 
regarding  underwriting  and  risk  review.  They  include  clear  
authorisation levels and underwriting limits for each sector. 
Underwriting limits are approved by a business unit’s highest 
decision-making body, and the Corporate Executive Commit-
tee is notified of them. In the industrial insurance unit, the 
maximum net underwriting limit for property insurance has 
been set at CHF 100 million (2012: CHF 100 million) for Switzer-
land and at EUR 60 million (2012: EUR 60 million) for  Germany 
and Belgium. The only other comparable underwriting limits 
in the Group are for marine and liability insurance. Tools for 
setting the basic premium and for risk-based management of the 
total portfolio are also used to manage industrial insurance risk.
For its exposure to natural hazards the Baloise Group has 
purchased reinsurance cover for the whole Group amounting 
to CHF 250 million (2012: CHF 250 million).

5.3 Life and non-life reinsurance strategies
The Baloise Group’s non-life treaty reinsurance for all business 
units in the Group is structured and placed in the market by 
Group Reinsurance, part of Corporate Division Finance. When 
structuring the programme, Group Reinsurance focuses on the 
risk-bearing capacity of the Group as a whole. To date, the Group 
has only placed non-proportional reinsurance programmes. 
The Group’s maximum retention for cumulative claims was 
CHF  20  million  (2012:  CHF  20  million).  The  retentions  for 
 individual claims were CHF 16 million (2012: CHF 16 million) 
for property claims, CHF 15 million (2012: CHF 15 million) for 
marine claims and CHF 12.5 million on a non-indexed basis 
(2012: CHF 12.5 million) for third-party liability claims. The 
local Baloise Group business units also use additional faculta-

127

At the end of 2013, the Baloise Group’s total reserves calculated 
using actuarial methods or recognised separately for special 
claims (including large claims but not run-off or actuarial  reserves 
for annuities) amounted to CHF 4,644.2 million (2012: CHF 4,614.5 
million). A variation of 10 per cent in either direction in the 
requirement for these reserves would result in a rise or fall of 
around CHF 338.4 million (2012: CHF 337.2 million) in claims 
payments (after taxes) before reinsurance.

The reserves in its run-off business mainly arose from 
liabilities that the Baloise Group had incurred in the London 
market since the early 1990s, largely third-party liability claims 
relating to asbestos and environmental damage. 

Because of the long settlement period, there is a high  degree 
of uncertainty associated with the calculation of these claims 
reserves. Both the timing at which cases of this type are identi-
fied and their potential loss level are much less certain than any 
other established claims patterns. Some reserves were  calculated 
using external actuaries’ reports in which best-case and worst-
case scenarios were analysed. The Baloise Group’s minimum 
reserves policy is based on the average of these two scenarios. 
It is particularly difficult to assess the level of reserves required 
for IBNR claims, so further fluctuations cannot be ruled out. 
According to expert estimates, fluctuations of around 10 per 
cent can be expected, which is equivalent to around CHF 6.8 
million after taxes and before reinsurance (2012: CHF 7.5 mil-
lion) for this reserve.

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

5.4.2 Assumptions
 → Claims reserves and claims settlement 

The portfolios on the Group’s books must be structured  
in such a way that the data available is sufficiently homo-
geneous to enable the use of certain analytical actuarial 
processes to determine the claims reserves required. One 
of the assumptions made is that extrapolation of the 
typical claims settlement pattern of recent years is 
meaningful. Only cases such as extreme anomalies in 
settlement behaviour require additional assumptions  
to be made on a case-by-case basis. 

 → Claims handling costs 

The ratio of the average claims handling costs incurred in 
recent years to the payouts made in the same period is 
used to calculate the level of claims handling reserves to be 
recognised based on current claims reserves. 

 → Annuities 

The factors on which annuity calculations are based 
(mortality tables, interest rates, etc.) are normally specified 
or approved by the authorities in each country. However, 
because certain parameters can change relatively quickly, 
the adequacy of these annuity reserves is reviewed every 
year (by conducting a liability adequacy test or LAT) and, 
if there is a shortfall, the reserves are strengthened 
accordingly.

5.4.3 Changes to assumptions
The assumptions on which claims reserves are based generally 
remain constant, but the factors on which annuity calculations 
are based are adjusted from time to time over the years, partic-
ularly with regard to the latest longevity data.

5.4.4 Sensitivity analysis
As well as the natural volatility inherent in insurance business, 
there are parameters for determining technical reserves that 
can significantly impact on the annual earnings and equity of 
an insurance company. In the non-life sector, sensitivity  analysis 
has been used to investigate the effect on consolidated annual 
earnings and consolidated equity exerted by errors in  estimating 
claims reserves – including claims incurred but not reported 
(IBNR) – and reserves for run-off business.

128

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

5.4.5 Claims settlement

Analysis of gross claims settlement (before reinsurance) broken down by strategic business unit
The proportion reinsured was low and would not affect the information given in the claims settlement tables below.

ESTIMATED CUMULATIVE CLAIMS INCURRED IN SWITZERLAND

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Total

Year in which the claims occurred 

754.2

951.2

684.1

681.4

641.7

690.7

723.1

777.9

732.2

768.5

CHF million

At the end of the year  
in which the claims 
occurred

One year later

Two years later

Three years later

Four years later

Five years later

Six years later

Seven years later

Eight years later

Nine years later

Estimated claims 
incurred

710.4

692.7

692.2

698.1

677.8

679.4

674.1

670.2

679.5

679.5

918.9

905.0

890.8

862.6

855.5

852.0

845.1

842.0

–

647.6

633.0

619.0

619.7

607.8

603.2

585.7

–

–

693.2

686.6

674.2

662.3

655.7

643.7

–

–

–

631.4

628.6

623.6

622.6

606.8

–

–

–

–

670.6

657.4

641.0

634.4

–

–

–

–

–

685.4

675.1

666.9

–

–

–

–

–

–

736.5

731.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

751.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

842.0

585.7

643.7

606.8

634.4

666.9

731.0

751.1

768.5

6,909.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Claims paid

– 608.7

– 776.8

– 521.8

– 563.5

– 507.3

– 539.7

– 561.8

– 590.3

– 568.3

– 384.6 – 5,622.8

Gross claims reserves

70.8

65.2

63.9

80.2

99.5

94.7

105.1

140.7

182.8

383.9

1,286.8

Gross claims reserves 
prior to 2004 (including 
large claims and 
assumed business)

Gross provision  
for annuities  
(non-life,  
including IBNR)

Reinsurers’ share

Net claims reserves

396.7

733.3

– 350.8

2,066.0

129

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

For greater clarity, the following analysis of claims trends is shown in euros.

ESTIMATED CUMULATIVE CLAIMS INCURRED IN GERMANY

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Total

Year in which the claims occurred 

325.8

292.2

283.8

306.7

298.2

288.0

302.5

290.8

297.4

382.9

EUR million

At the end of the year  
in which the claims 
occurred

One year later

Two years later

Three years later

Four years later

Five years later

Six years later

Seven years later

Eight years later

Nine years later

Estimated claims 
incurred

304.2

291.8

295.5

292.4

290.4

288.4

289.8

288.6

287.7

287.7

279.9

285.8

276.5

272.9

269.4

268.1

269.4

269.8

–

288.7

283.7

278.8

276.9

277.5

275.6

277.3

–

–

303.0

295.5

294.1

293.1

299.3

299.8

–

–

–

296.2

299.7

300.3

301.2

300.6

–

–

–

–

286.4

289.0

294.6

294.8

–

–

–

–

–

299.7

305.6

305.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

297.6

300.9

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

298.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

269.8

277.3

299.8

300.6

294.8

305.8

300.9

298.4

382.9

3,018.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Claims paid

– 283.8

– 265.0

– 268.4

– 294.7

– 293.4

– 283.8

– 290.9

– 276.3

– 251.0

– 189.3 – 2,696.6

321.4

287.6

80.9

– 162.4

527.5

Gross claims reserves

3.9

4.8

8.9

5.1

7.2

11.0

14.9

24.6

47.4

193.6

Gross claims reserves 
prior to 2004 (including 
large claims and 
assumed business)

Gross provision  
for annuities  
(non-life,  
including IBNR)

Reinsurers’ share

Net claims reserves

130

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

EUR million

At the end of the year  
in which the claims 
occurred

One year later

Two years later

Three years later

Four years later

Five years later

Six years later

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

ESTIMATED CUMULATIVE CLAIMS INCURRED IN BELGIUM

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Total

Year in which the claims occurred 

216.8

203.5

188.9

203.2

205.7

228.0

235.1

1 308.7

2 412.4

403.6

185.0

182.6

182.6

179.5

201.1

188.7

187.4

184.0

181.4

201.0

203.9

192.8

190.3

187.1

183.1

1 179.9

2 222.6

222.5

1 182.3

2 181.0

221.8

248.5

1 287.1

2 395.1

426.5

1 252.2

2 308.0

392.2

215.2

212.3

216.3

213.1

208.7

1 216.5

2 264.5

304.0

1 211.1

2 223.0

254.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

186.2

187.4

221.8

222.5

254.0

304.0

392.2

426.5

403.6

2,784.1

Seven years later

1 184.6

2 182.1

187.4

Eight years later

2 183.2

186.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

Nine years later

Estimated claims 
incurred

185.9

185.9

Claims paid

– 156.7

– 149.9

– 148.7

– 165.9

– 170.9

– 194.9

– 233.0

– 284.6

– 306.5

– 192.3 – 2,003.4

Gross claims reserves

29.2

36.3

38.7

55.9

51.6

59.1

71.0

107.6

120.0

211.3

Gross claims reserves 
prior to 2004 (including 
large claims and 
assumed business)

Gross provision  
for annuities  
(non-life,  
including IBNR)

Reinsurers’ share

Net claims reserves

1   The increase in the total estimated claims incurred is primarily due to the addition of Avéro Schadevezekering Benelux NV.
1   The increase in the total estimated claims incurred is primarily due to the addition of Nateus NV and Audi NV.

780.7

274.5

149.2

– 227.0

977.4

131

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

ESTIMATED CUMULATIVE CLAIMS INCURRED IN LUXEMBOURG

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Total

Year in which the claims occurred 

12.6

11.4

12.7

14.2

15.0

17.5

1 25.0

1 23.6

24.0

23.6

11.6

11.3

10.9

10.8

10.6

10.5

1 14.6

14.6

14.5

14.5

11.0

10.7

10.4

10.3

10.2

1 13.6

13.5

13.5

–

13.5

12.0

11.9

11.7

11.6

1 16.4

16.3

16.3

–

–

13.6

13.0

12.9

1 18.9

18.7

18.6

–

–

–

14.9

15.1

1 20.8

21.1

20.9

–

–

–

–

16.9

1 21.5

21.3

21.1

–

–

–

–

–

1 22.0

21.8

21.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

22.7

22.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

24.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

16.3

18.6

20.9

21.1

21.7

22.6

24.5

23.6

197.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

EUR million

At the end of the year  
in which the claims 
occurred

One year later

Two years later

Three years later

Four years later

Five years later

Six years later

Seven years later

Eight years later

Nine years later

Estimated claims 
incurred

Claims paid

– 14.3

– 13.3

– 16.0

– 18.3

– 20.4

– 20.3

– 20.4

– 20.8

– 21.4

– 13.9

– 179.1

Gross claims reserves

0.2

0.2

0.3

0.3

0.5

0.8

1.3

1.8

3.1

9.7

Gross claims reserves 
prior to 2004 (including 
large claims and 
assumed business)

Gross provision  
for annuities  
(non-life,  
including IBNR)

Reinsurers’ share

Net claims reserves

18.2

15.9

0.0

– 14.0

20.1

1   The increase in the total estimated claims incurred is primarily due to the addition of Bâloise Assurances Luxembourg S.A.

Analysis of claims settlement for the “Other units” segment
A large proportion of the reserves relating to this segment is attributable to run-off business. Due to the special 
nature of this business, it is difficult to conduct meaningful analysis on the basis of our own claims data alone, so 
the reserves recognised for it are subject to significant uncertainty.

The survival ratio – the ratio of reserves to the average claims paid in the past three years – is a commonly 
used measure for comparing the adequacy of reserves for asbestos and environmental claims. The ratio shows the 
number of years for which the reserves will cover claims payments. At the end of the year under review the  survival 
ratio was 34.3 years (2012: 37 years). 

132

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

5.5 Life

5.5.1 Actuarial risk 
Traditional life insurance is called fixed-sum insurance because payments are not made for losses. Instead, a fixed 
sum is paid on occurrence of an insured event, which can be survival or death. In the case of term insurance,  capital 
and/or pension benefits are insured against premature death (whole-life insurance) or disability (disability insur-
ance), while capital redemption insurance focuses on savings for old age. Endowment life insurance combines risk 
protection with savings. 

AVERAGE TECHNICAL INTEREST RATE

31 December 2012 (restated)

CHF million

Technical reserves  
without guaranteed returns

Technical reserves  
with 0 % guaranteed returns

Technical reserves  
with guaranteed positive returns

Average technical interest rate  
of guaranteed positive returns

31 December 2013

Technical reserves  
without guaranteed returns

Technical reserves  
with 0 % guaranteed returns

Technical reserves  
with guaranteed positive returns

Average technical interest rate  
of guaranteed positive returns

Switzerland 
individual life

Switzerland 
group life

Germany

Belgium

 Luxembourg

Other units

598.5

1,250.7

2,808.6

766.5

646.2

165.6

91.0

87.9

233.6

88.9

83.0

24.4

8,205.5

12,624.3

9,338.8

2,705.7

240.8

482.5

2.7 %

1.8 %

3.4 %

3.7 %

2.7 %

3.2 %

Switzerland 
individual life

Switzerland 
group life

582.8

1,265.0

Germany

3,057.5

702.3

706.0

136.3

Belgium

 Luxembourg

Other units

63.6

95.6

217.5

115.0

87.3

20.2

7,974.9

13,391.1

9,415.1

2,883.7

275.1

204.4

2.7 %

2.0 %

3.4 %

3.7 %

2.7 %

3.2 %

The guaranteed technical interest rate is one of the risks inherent in traditional life insurance and group life business. 
If interest rates rise, there is the risk that more policies will be cancelled, and the payment of surrender values 
could cause liquidity problems. This risk can be reduced by imposing surrender charges. In the past, no significant 
correlation has been observed between rises in interest rates and the number of major policies cancelled. 

When interest rates fall, there is the risk that investment income may no longer be sufficient to fund the 
 technical interest rate. This risk can be mitigated by means of asset and liability management (ALM) and, in some 
cases, by adjusting policyholders’ dividends.

Unit-linked life insurance generally involves endowment life insurance or a deferred annuity in which the 
policyholder has more flexibility regarding the investment process. During the deferment period, unit-linked  
annuities behave in a similar way to endowment life insurance, but during the payout period the policy converts 
into a traditional annuity.

133

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

If the policyholder dies, the beneficiary receives the sum insured or the fund assets, if the latter exceed the sum 
insured. A risk premium is periodically charged to the fund to finance the death benefit cover if there is  capital at 
risk (i.e. the positive difference between the sum insured and the fund assets).

Depending on the product, the fund underlying the savings process is selected from a range of funds that 
match the policyholder’s investment profile. The policyholder usually bears the entire investment risk and may 
benefit from a positive return. 

Neither the cash surrender value nor the maturity value of unit-linked life insurance is guaranteed, but the 
maturity value is partly secured by the choice of fund. The funds are typically those with the type of investment 
strategy (e.g. the proportion of equities falls if share prices fall) that guarantees the maturity value for a specific 
policy term. This type of business is offered in Switzerland and Germany. The guaranteed maturity value of these 
specific life insurance policies may differ somewhat from the fund value because of the way the policies are struc-
tured. This risk has been factored into actuarial calculations.

In Switzerland, there is a closed sub-portfolio with a guaranteed interest rate. The guarantee was issued as 
part of the statutory pension scheme (Pillar 3a). On the endowment date, the policyholder receives the value of the 
fund units or the net investment premium plus accrued interest at the technical interest rate (3.25 per cent), which-
ever is the greater. The funds approved for these policies have a low equity ratio and are therefore not exposed to 
high volatility. A corresponding actuarial reserve has been recognised for the guarantee.

Some closed-end funds in Belgium and Switzerland also offer a guaranteed maturity value. The funds are 
managed and the guarantees are provided by banks outside the Baloise Group. In Switzerland there is also a closed-
end Baloise fund with a guaranteed maturity value which is hedged via investments in bonds issued by banks 
outside the Group. 

The Baloise Group offers variable annuities products including unit-linked and, in some cases, guaranteed 
whole-life annuities via its units in Switzerland and Luxembourg/Liechtenstein. Financial hedges are provided 
using external reinsurance.

Switzerland

Germany

Belgium

Luxembourg

Other units

31.12.2012 
(restated)

31.12.2013

31.12.2012 
(restated)

31.12.2013

31.12.2012 
(restated)

31.12.2013

31.12.2012 
(restated)

31.12.2013

31.12.2012 
(restated)

31.12.2013

466.8

484.8

1,402.4

1,634.7

9.7

13.5

296.2

284.8

83.0

103.3

CHF million

Actuarial reserves  
from unit-linked  
life insurance contracts

The major risks accruing from term insurance include epidemics and terrorist attacks but also changes in lifestyle 
such as lack of exercise. Endowment policies incur significant risks arising from the increase in life expectancy, 
which is likely to continue due to medical advances and rising living standards.
The risks listed above do not vary greatly within this area of activity.
Our group life business in Switzerland and Belgium focuses on the provision of occupational pensions which, 
like individual life insurance, covers the risks of death, disability and survival. The distinctive feature of group life 
business is the influence of political decisions. In Switzerland, the government sets the minimum rate of interest to 
be paid on savings, and the conversion rate at which accumulated capital is converted into an annuity to provide  
a pension. However, these regulations only apply to the minimum portion of accumulated capital that is required 
to provide initial finance for an annuity. For the remaining portion, actuarially appropriate annuity conversion 
rates are used but any change to the minimum interest rate would also affect the existing statutory portfolio, not 

134

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

just new business, which would normally be the case for individual life business. The technical interest rate for 
Belgian group life business – unlike individual life business – is also set by the government. However, it is the 
 companies – and not their insurers – that are obliged to guarantee this technical interest rate. Baloise Belgium  
has started to offer group life insurance policies with interest rates that are lower than the rate stipulated by the 
government.

Most disability insurance consists of policy riders (supplementary insurance), i.e. premium waivers should 
holders of life insurance policies that require periodic payments of premiums become disabled. Separate disability 
insurance is of minor importance. Measured against total actuarial reserves, disability risk represents around 5 per 
cent of our business.

Traditional insurance

Longevity risk

Mortality risk

Disability risk

BVG retirement assets

Sub-total

Unit-linked

Longevity risk

Mortality risk

Sub-total

Total

Actuarial reserves  
31.12.2012 (restated)

Actuarial reserves  
31.12.2013

CHF  
million

Share (%)

CHF  
million

Share (%)

9,924.4

12,891.3

1,979.8

9,195.9

33,991.4

957.8

1,300.2

2,258.0

27.4

35.6

5.5

25.4

93.8

2.6

3.6

6.2

10,308.1

12,509.3

1,948.7

9,826.4

34,592.4

1,162.2

1,358.8

2,521.0

27.8

33.7

5.3

26.5

93.2

3.1

3.7

6.8

36,249.4

100.0

37,113.5

100.0

Actuarial reserves were allocated to the categories above by product, i.e. each product was assigned a risk category 
and actuarial reserves were not split into different risks within one product. Allocation to a category was generally 
determined by the mortality table used in each case.

5.5.2 Assumptions
Actuarial reserves are calculated in accordance with the factors that applied on the date a policy was signed. When 
setting rates for life insurance products, safety margins are built into these factors to anticipate any adverse trends 
in the future, principally with regard to technical interest rates and mortality tables. These built-in safety margins, 
combined with counter-selection effects, explain why annuity tables differ from mortality tables. Cancellations are 
not factored in when recognising reserves.

135

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

The principles applied are reviewed on an ongoing basis by conducting liability adequacy tests (LATs) which ensure 
that sufficient reserves have been set aside. The underlying assumptions for conducting these tests are best estimates. 
The two main assumptions for these tests are expected future investment income and mortality rates. Expected 
future investment income is calculated using the current investment portfolio and the target investment portfolio 
(strategic asset allocation). The returns on new money invested are based on capital-market interest rates.  Depending 
on the size of the portfolio, mortality rates are based on publicly available tables adjusted to reflect our own expe-
rience or on mortality tables produced inhouse.

Cancellations are factored into LATs using assumptions based on the experience of our companies. Changes 

in assumptions regarding cancellations usually have a negligible impact on LATs.

5.5.3 Sensitivities
To identify sensitivities, we investigated the effect of changes in assumptions on profit for the period and on equity, 
after shadow accounting, deferred gains/losses and deferred taxes (excluding reinsurance effects which were imma-
terial) had been taken into account. The assumptions on which liability adequacy testing is based were changed for 
each calculation.
The following scenarios were run:
 → 10 per cent increase in mortality
 → 10 per cent fall in mortality (i.e. increase in longevity)
 → 100 basis-point increase in receipts of new money. 
 → 100 basis-point fall in receipts of new money 

While investigating sensitivities, only the assumption being tested was varied. The other parameters were kept 

constant, with the exception of policyholders’ dividends, which were adjusted accordingly.

In general, sensitivities do not behave in a linear fashion, so it is not possible to extrapolate from them.

 → 10 per cent increase in mortality 

A mortality increase of 10 per cent during liability adequacy testing had only a marginal effect in Germany, 
Belgium and Luxembourg and at Baloise Life (Liechtenstein) AG. This was true of the impact on both  
the income statement and on equity. A mortality increase in the Swiss life insurance business caused a lower 
amount to be allocated to strengthen annuity reserves, which improved profitability overall by roughly 
CHF 23 million (2012: by CHF 29 million). The resultant effects on equity were marginal.

 → 10 per cent fall in mortality 

Similar to the aforementioned scenario of an increase in mortality, the effects of a reduction in mortality 
were marginal for the life insurance companies in Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg and for Baloise Life 
(Liechtenstein) AG. This was true of the impact on both the income statement and on equity. A reduction 
in mortality in the Swiss life insurance business – with policyholders’ dividends adjusted accordingly – had 
a negative impact of approximately CHF 26 million (2012: CHF 36 million) on the income statement.  
In line with the aforementioned scenario of an increase in mortality, the effect on equity in Switzerland 
was minor.

136

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

 → 100 basis-point increase in receipts of new money 

This scenario was based on the assumption that receipts of new money (including amounts reinvested) rose  
by 100 basis points. When applied to the German units, this scenario resulted in a reversal of DAC write-
downs and in changes to the financing of final policyholders’ dividends. This adverse impact was exacerbated 
by impairment losses on interest-rate derivatives. The overall impact was substantially mitigated by the 
prevailing legal requirements governing the distribution of surpluses. On balance there was a negative effect  
of roughly CHF 2 million on the German units’ profitability in the reporting year (2012: CHF 4 million). The 
negative impact on equity amounted to approximately CHF 8 million (2012: CHF 5 million).

In Belgium this scenario did not have a material effect on profit or loss. The negative effect on unrealised 

gains amounted to CHF 150 million (2012: CHF 147 million).

In Luxembourg this scenario produced a marginal impact on the income statement and an adverse effect 

of roughly CHF 13 million (2012: CHF 13 million) on the unrealised gains and losses recognised in equity.
The resultant impact on the profitability and equity of Baloise Life (Liechtenstein) AG was negligible.
In Switzerland this scenario resulted in a reversal of DAC write-downs, a reduction in technical reserves, 
and the offsetting effect of interest-rate hedges. This improved profitability overall by roughly CHF 16 million 
(2012: CHF 17 million). The adverse impact on equity amounted to approximately CHF 253 million (2012: 
CHF 284 million).

 → 100 basis-point fall in receipts of new money 

This scenario was based on the assumption that receipts of new money (including amounts reinvested) fell  
by 100 basis points. When applied to the German units, this scenario resulted in changes in DAC write-downs, 
changes in the financing of final policyholders’ dividends, and the recognition of a provision for impending 
losses. These adverse effects were largely compensated for by the increase in the fair value of interest-rate 
derivatives in 2013. The overall impact was substantially mitigated by the prevailing legal requirements govern- 
ing the distribution of surpluses. On balance there was a negative effect of roughly CHF 1 million on the 
German units’ profitability in the reporting year (2012: positive effect of CHF 2 million). The positive impact 
on their equity amounted to approximately CHF 7 million (2012: CHF 4 million).

In Belgium this scenario resulted in an additional DAC write-down, a PVFP impairment loss and a 
provision for impending losses. The impact on the income statement was greater than in other countries  
owing to the business model used. Overall there was a negative effect of CHF 26 million on the income state-
ment (2012: CHF 85 million). This adverse impact was more than compensated for by the positive changes  
in unrealised gains and losses recognised in equity. The positive effect on unrealised gains amounted to 
CHF 155 million (2012: CHF 147 million).

In Luxembourg this scenario produced a marginal impact on the income statement and a positive effect  

of roughly CHF 14 million (2012: CHF 14 million) on the unrealised gains and losses recognised in equity.
The resultant impact on the profitability and equity of Baloise Life (Liechtenstein) AG was negligible.
In Switzerland this scenario resulted in a higher DAC write-down, an increased technical reserve, and the 
offsetting effect of interest-rate hedges. The balance of positive and negative effects changed, thereby improving 
profitability overall by roughly CHF 1 million (2012: decrease of CHF 6 million). The positive impact on equity 
amounted to approximately CHF 278 million (2012: CHF 298 million).

137

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

5.5.4 Changes to assumptions
Expected future investment income is constantly adjusted in line with market circumstances. It has fallen across 
all units. Other assumptions, such as cancellation rates and mortality rates, are updated on an ongoing basis.

5.6 Management of market risk 
Market risk is reflected by losses that arise from changes or fluctuations in market prices that may result in impair-
ment of the value of assets held. The degree of risk depends on the extent to which market prices fluctuate and on 
the level of exposure. 

As part of their life insurance business, the companies in the Baloise Group also provide investment-linked 
life insurance contracts for the account of and at the risk of policyholders. The financial liabilities generated in this 
connection are backed by assets – generally investment fund units – arising from these policies. Because the market 
risk attaching to the assets underlying these contracts is borne by the policyholder, they are shown separately in the 
notes to the consolidated annual financial statements.

The following sections specifically address the interest-rate risk, currency risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and 

equity price risk that are relevant to assets held by the Group.

5.6.1 Interest-rate risk
Interest-rate risk is the risk that a company’s interest margin, and therefore its income, may be reduced by fluctua-
tions in money-market and capital-market interest rates (income effect), or that the fair value of a portfolio of  
interest-rate sensitive products may decline (asset-price effect). As well as the financial risk generated by holding 
assets and liabilities with non-matching maturities, variations in accounting policy may result in accounting risk. 
Consequently, the impact of a movement in interest rates or in the interest-rate curve may be a significant 
deterioration in terms and conditions if funding has to be rolled over. Benchmark-based maturity management is 
practised in the non-life units, while maturity management in the life units is driven by liabilities.

As part of the Baloise Group-wide Risk Management Standards, investment planning and appropriate asset 
and liability management ensure that any divergence in maturities and the interest-rate risk incurred are managed 
within the risk capacity available.

Stress tests are also designed and run for this purpose. They act as an early-warning system and their impact 

can be simulated for all areas of the Group and their performance.

The effect of stress testing key financial figures is measured on a monthly basis. The underlying stress  scenario 
(potential loss arising from a risk) is reviewed regularly and modified as necessary. The scale of a stress test is 
 generally based on the simple annual volatility of the financial risk under review, the once-in-a-hundred-years 
occurrence of a business risk or standard international practice.

The life insurance companies in the Baloise Group manage their risk associated with changes in interest rates 
directly, by means of appropriate strategic asset allocation. Specific factors such as risk-bearing capacity and the 
ability to fund guarantees are taken into account when allocating assets. The decision-making process also incor-
porates the asset managers’ expectations regarding the capital markets and customers’ expectations regarding life 
insurance. 

The Baloise Group’s chief investment officer (CIO) reviews the strategic asset allocation undertaken by all 

business units twice a year.

The banks also use an appropriate asset and liability management system to monitor and manage interest-rate 
risk. Interest-rate risk is incurred only in proportion to business volume and business activities. Interest-rate risk 
is measured using software based on value-at-risk, gap, duration and interest-rate sensitivity methods. The asset 
and liability mismatch is actively managed by the use of appropriate interest-rate derivatives, generally fair value 
hedges. 

138

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

If all interest rates had fallen by 100 basis points on the balance sheet date but all other variables had remained 
constant, the profit for the period (after deferred gains/losses and deferred taxes) would have been lower by CHF 33 
million (2012: CHF 97 million). Including the impact on profit for the period, equity (after shadow accounting, 
deferred gains/losses and deferred taxes) would have risen by CHF 370 million (2012: CHF 267 million).

If all interest rates had risen by 100 basis points on the balance sheet date but all other variables had remained 
constant, the profit for the period (after deferred gains/losses and deferred taxes) would have been CHF 15 million 
(2012: CHF 15 million) higher. Including the impact on profit for the period, equity (after shadow accounting, 
 deferred gains/losses and deferred taxes) would have fallen by CHF 485 million (2012: CHF 408 million).

5.6.2 Currency risk
Currency risk describes the potential financial loss generated by changes in the exchange rates between currencies. 
The extent of the effective currency risk depends on:
 → Net foreign exchange exposure, i.e. the net position between assets and liabilities denominated in  

foreign currencies,

 → the volatility of the currencies involved and
 → the correlation of currencies with other risk parameters in a portfolio.
Because the Baloise Group invests in foreign-currency bonds (particularly those denominated in euros) for invest-
ment or diversification purposes, there may be currency effects in the income statement for both realised and 
 unrealised positions. To ensure compliance with the risk budget set for currency effects recognised in the income 
statement, the foreign-exchange management team first calculates adequate target hedge ratios, then implements 
the necessary hedging strategies taking into account these target hedge ratios and the discretionary ranges allowed. 
It also takes advantage of phases when exchange rates are overreacting by deliberately underweighting or over-
weighting the hedge ratios in relation to the defined benchmark. These hedging strategies are implemented using 
forward FX contracts and FX options or combinations of options in which the selection of the instruments to be 
used in each case depends on factors such as volatility and expected exchange-rates movements. 

The currency effect of foreign-currency bonds or insurance-related foreign-currency liabilities and changes 
in the fair value of derivative financial instruments held for hedging purposes are always recognised in the income 
statement.

The Group-wide Risk Management Standards require currency risk and the effectiveness of the currency 
derivatives transacted to be monitored on a continuous basis. The currency risk incurred must be proportionate to 
the potential superior return generated by the diversification effect achieved in the portfolio.

The Swiss franc and the euro are used almost exclusively for the Baloise Group’s insurance activities, with the 
result  that  technical  reserves  are  also  mainly  in  these  currencies.  There  are  also  small  technical  liabilities  in  
US  dollars  and  pounds  sterling.  These  reserves  are  generally  covered  by  investments  in  the  same  currencies  
(natural hedges).

Assuming that all other variables remain constant, fluctuations between transactional currencies and the 
functional currency in financial balance sheet items (after shadow accounting, deferred gains/losses and deferred 
taxes) in the amount of +/– CHF 0.01 (1 centime) would have resulted in a change of +/– CHF 4.1 million (2012: 
+/– CHF 3.0 million) in the profit for the period and also in equity; a positive (+) change of CHF 0.01 would have 
generated a currency gain and a negative (–) change of CHF 0.01 would have generated a currency loss.

139

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

Derivative financial instruments used as currency hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation
The Group’s own companies, Baloise Alternative Investment Strategies Ltd., Jersey, and Baloise Private Equity Ltd., 
Jersey, manage substantial investments in alternative financial assets such as hedge funds and private equity.

The Baloise Group’s FX managers enter into currency hedging transactions in the form of forward contracts 
to limit the currency risk exposure of its net investment in these two foreign entities whose reporting currency is 
the US dollar. Restricting the implementation of hedging strategies to forward contracts makes it easier to demon-
strate the efficiency of the hedges and to show that hedge accounting is being used. Because hedge accounting is 
applied, the change in the fair value of these derivatives is aggregated into a separate item under equity and only 
derecognised via the income statement, together with the accrued currency effects on the net investment in these 
foreign entities, when the relevant underlying asset is sold.

CHF million

Forward contracts

Swaps

OTC options

Other

Traded options

Traded futures

Total

Fair value assets

Fair value liabilities

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

21.5

19.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

21.5

19.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.1

–

–

–

–

–

0.1

CHF million

Amount recognised directly in equity

Hedge ineffectiveness reclassified to the income statement

2012 (restated)

2013

29.9

–

35.7

–

Because equity investments are actively managed, additions to and deductions from equity are carried out on  
a regular basis during the year. Consequently, the year-on-year effects underlying hedge accounting and the recog-
nition of cash flows in profit or loss are recognised on a pro-rata basis.

For international diversification (risk-spreading), to enhance returns and because there is greater liquidity in 
certain foreign financial markets, as at 31 December 2013 the Group’s Swiss companies did hold a net position in 
euros equivalent to CHF 886.0 million (2012: no material net position) and a net position in US dollars equivalent 
to CHF 23.9 million (2012: CHF 288.0 million). The remaining foreign exchange positions, both assets and liabili-
ties, were negligible.

During the year, the hedge ratio for the net foreign exchange exposure in US dollars and euros ranged from 

80 per cent to 100 per cent. 

The foreign entities in the Baloise Group had no significant foreign-currency exposure.

140

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

5.7 Credit risk
Credit risk relating to assets held by insurance companies refers to the total potential downside risk arising from  
a deterioration in the credit quality of a borrower or issuer, or from impairment in the value of collateral. Credit 
risk is managed by monitoring the credit quality of each individual counterparty and relying heavily on credit 
ratings.

Credit risk increases when counterparties become concentrated in a single sector or geographic region. Eco-
nomic trends that affect whole sectors or regions can jeopardise an entire group of otherwise unrelated counter-
parties. For this reason, the Baloise Group tracks counterparty exposure at all times and monitors credit risk on  
a Group-wide basis. The regional expertise of our business units is also incorporated into decisions about securities 
selection or changes to the existing credit portfolio.

Because the credit risk incurred by the Baloise Group is spread across sectors and geographic regions and 
among a large number of counterparties and customers, the Baloise Group is not exposed to material credit risk 
arising from a single counterparty or a specific sector or geographic region. 

In order to restrict the credit/accumulation risk in the Baloise Group, the proportion that may be invested by 
Group companies in a single issuer or borrower is strictly limited in the Group-wide Risk Management Standards. 
The relevant rules are explicitly defined in the Group investment policy.

Investments in the investment portfolio may only be made in bonds, loans or financial derivatives whose  
issuer or borrower has a minimum A– rating from Standard & Poor‘s, a comparable rating or is backed by a third-
party guarantee or mortgage. For other borrowers and issuers with at least a BBB rating from Standard & Poor‘s (or 
similar), and those with no rating, an additional overall limit of 15 per cent of all fixed-income securities – based 
on their fair values – is applied. Exceptions require explicit approval.

Investments in pfandbriefs are backed by mortgages. The vast majority of investments in promissory notes 
and registered bonds are secured by guarantees or covered by the deposit protection fund, which protects investors 
against banks‘ insolvency or inability to pay. These investments carry a reimbursement guarantee from financial 
institutions. Mortgage loans are secured by property; there are limits on loan-to-value ratios.

Please refer to the table of secured financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities in section 12.

141

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

FINANCIAL ASSETS EXCEEDING 10 % OF CONSOLIDATED EQUIT Y

2012 (restated)

CHF million

Federal Republic of Germany

Swiss Confederation

Kingdom of Belgium

Republic of France

Republic of Austria

European Investment Bank, Luxembourg

Commerzbank AG

Kingdom of the Netherlands

Pfandbriefbank schweizerischer Hypothekarinstitute AG

Deutsche Bank AG

German federal state of Lower Saxony

UBS AG

Free State of Bavaria

Österreichische Kontrollbank AG (OeKB)

BNP Paribas

Credit Suisse Group AG

Bank Nederlandse Gemeenten

Rabobank Nederland

Pfandbriefzentrale der Schweizerischen Kantonalbanken AG

UniCredit S.p.A.

Canton of Zurich

FINANCIAL ASSETS EXCEEDING 10 % OF CONSOLIDATED EQUIT Y

CHF million

Federal Republic of Germany

Kingdom of Belgium

Swiss Confederation

Republic of France

Republic of Austria

European Investment Bank, Luxembourg

Kingdom of the Netherlands

Pfandbriefbank schweizerischer Hypothekarinstitute AG

Commerzbank AG

German federal state of Lower Saxony

German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia

Pfandbriefzentrale der Schweizerischen Kantonalbanken AG

UBS AG

Free State of Bavaria

BNP Paribas

Credit Suisse Group AG

142

2,618.4

2,459.0

2,254.9

1,589.5

1,550.2

1,229.1

1,031.4

1,014.9

1,008.8

694.9

692.2

579.0

565.4

517.5

503.1

502.4

490.0

486.4

486.1

482.0

480.0

2013

 2,360.8 

 2,341.6 

 2,193.9 

 1,446.8 

1,370.7

1,205.5

1,040.4

959.0

796.2

675.3

580.8

545.8

535.1

516.7

513.5

492.3

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

MA XIMUM DEFAULT RISK OF FINANCIAL ASSETS

CHF million

Financial assets of a debt nature

Public corporations

Industrial enterprises

Financial institutions

Other

Mortgages and loans

Mortgages

Policy loans

Promissory notes and registered bonds

Time deposits

Employee loans

Reverse repurchase agreements

Other loans

Derivative financial instruments

Receivables from financial contracts

Reinsurance assets

Receivables from reinsurers

Insurance receivables

Other receivables

Receivables from investments

Cash and cash equivalents

2012 (restated)

2013

17,363.2

17,354.3

2,489.5

2,860.2

10,806.7

10,362.4

34.3

27.1

11,097.5

11,277.0

180.7

5,830.5

1,101.0

42.6

–

369.5

334.9

426.6

398.6

29.3

542.4

269.0

644.5

168.5

6,027.2

608.1

37.3

–

358.4

232.2

389.4

396.4

21.7

518.4

257.0

612.5

2,034.4

1,992.2

If no contractually irrevocable future loan commitments have been agreed, the maximum default risk of financial assets corresponds to the carrying amount  
of the assets for own account and at own risk. In addition, guarantees and collateral for the benefit of third parties totalled – 516.1 million (2012: – 505.2 million).

143

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

The management and control of credit risk arising from mortgage business are set out in instructions and written 
procedures in which mandatory lending regulations are specified. These lending regulations lay down strict proce-
dures for the immediate identification, accurate assessment, proper authorisation and continuous monitoring of 
credit risk. Standard credit documentation is used to record and review loan applications, which are all logged and 
managed centrally. The relevant credit documentation reflects or incorporates all evaluation criteria and policies.

Because a running total of mortgage transactions is kept, it is possible to monitor compliance with credit 
policy, and corrective action can be taken if necessary. All mortgages are also managed by periodically auditing 
exposure, including records of overdue interest. Procedures and audit intervals are set out in a separate directive. 
Senior management regularly receive detailed risk reports on the composition of the mortgage portfolio and risk 
trends.

Policies, directives and authorisation levels set out the terms and conditions for granting mortgages, which 
consist of the amount, the credit quality of the counterparty, collateral and the term of the transaction as well as 
the specialist qualifications of the mortgage expert.

There are special instructions for valuing collateral and calculating loan-to-value ratios. The purpose of  these 
provisions is to ensure that a standard procedure is used to determine the applicable value of collateral when asses-
sing mortgages. The calculation of fair value and the loan-to-value ratio of real estate is of key importance, parti-
cularly with regard to mortgage business. One of the objectives of the active management of mortgages is the early 
identification of potential downside risk. 

The mortgage portfolio comprises loans to individuals and to legal entities. The type and degree of risk that 
may be incurred, together with collateralisation and quality requirements, are set out in directives and authorisa-
tion levels. To mitigate risk, the portfolio is as geographically diverse as possible.

144

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

CREDIT RATINGS OF FINANCIAL ASSETS THAT WERE NEITHER OVERDUE NOR IMPAIRED AT THE BALANCE SHEET DATE IN 2012

AAA

AA

A

Lower than BBB  
or no rating

BBB

Total

CHF million

Financial assets of a debt nature

Public corporations

Industrial enterprises

Financial institutions

Other

Mortgages and loans

Mortgages

Policy loans

Promissory notes  
and registered bonds

Time deposits

Employee loans

Reverse repurchase agreements

Other loans

Derivative financial instruments

Receivables from financial contracts

Reinsurance assets

Receivables from reinsurers

Insurance receivables

Other receivables

Receivables from investments

Cash and cash equivalents

8,222.7

6.3

5,605.5

–

57.1

–

7,026.2

340.6

2,522.5

20.6

773.3

1,583.0

1,487.1

13.5

853.9

8,377.0

–

–

105.0

1,047.1

515.3

913.7

–

895.4

–

112.2

1,404.6

3,805.7

11.1

–

–

1.1

168.6

–

0.8

–

1.2

1.3

220.3

211.1

–

–

–

25.7

57.1

–

104.1

6.0

21.1

17.6

141.3

162.7

515.6

15.1

–

–

108.9

103.5

4.7

133.9

9.8

41.0

110.5

51.9

1,263.0

–

–

116.9

–

–

2.6

0.8

60.1

14.6

34.1

21.3

293.9

44.3

254.5

0.2

672.1

180.7

385.0

559.2

42.6

–

75.4

5.7

421.9

154.4

12.7

286.5

117.5

170.8

376.3

17,363.2

2,489.5

10,783.3

34.3

10,855.5

180.7

5,812.4

1,101.0

42.6

–

328.0

334.9

426.6

395.9

29.2

409.9

261.5

618.4

2,034.4

Total

15,911.8

15,105.1

14,681.6

3,749.1

4,053.6

53,501.1

145

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

CREDIT RATINGS OF FINANCIAL ASSETS THAT WERE NEITHER OVERDUE NOR IMPAIRED AT THE BALANCE SHEET DATE IN 2013

AAA

AA

A

Lower than BBB  
or no rating

BBB

Total

CHF million

Financial assets of a debt nature

Public corporations

Industrial enterprises

Financial institutions

Other

Mortgages and loans

Mortgages

Policy loans

Promissory notes  
and registered bonds

Time deposits

Employee loans

Reverse repurchase agreements

Other loans

Derivative financial instruments

Receivables from financial contracts

Reinsurance assets

Receivables from reinsurers

Insurance receivables

Other receivables

Receivables from investments

Cash and cash equivalents

6,270.9

35.4

5,094.4

–

96.8

–

9,108.3

521.5

2,266.8

13.4

895.1

1,642.5

1,831.8

13.5

974.3

8,401.1

–

–

205.0

1,552.7

3,858.9

–

–

–

1.9

92.2

–

1.0

0.0

0.0

3.1

171.5

162.3

179.5

261.7

–

–

27.4

42.4

–

107.6

1.7

8.8

18.5

170.3

335.9

–

–

106.6

74.3

–

97.3

9.6

48.7

100.7

55.9

1,384.4

806.9

649.2

953.2

–

890.8

–

126.6

–

–

–

101.8

8.0

–

0.7

0.2

0.1

13.8

33.9

10.9

273.2

11.7

214.5

0.2

639.0

168.5

283.9

166.9

37.3

–

83.3

15.2

389.4

186.7

10.3

350.3

111.6

158.9

98.7

17,354.3

2,860.2

10,360.8

27.1

11,002.0

168.5

6,027.2

608.1

37.3

–

320.9

232.2

389.4

393.4

21.7

407.9

247.5

590.5

1,992.2

Total

13,482.3

17,635.2

15,128.3

3,596.1

3,199.6

53,041.6

Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s ratings are generally used to assess the credit quality of securities. The lower of the 
two is used for disclosure. 

Because the two agencies do not cover the entire Swiss financial market, the SBI composite rating is applied 
as and when necessary. This consists of ratings issued by the two rating agencies and the following four Swiss banks: 
Credit Suisse, UBS, Bank Vontobel and Zürcher Kantonalbank. 

The credit quality of mortgage assets arising from Swiss insurance business is reviewed using risk-management 
processes. Credit ratings are assigned on this basis. Mortgage assets that show no signs of impaired credit quality 
receive an A rating. Those that show signs of impaired credit quality are rated lower than BBB or are not rated  
at all.

In 2013, financial assets amounting to – 2.1 million (2012: – 2.9 million) and cash and cash equivalents of – 0.2 

million (2012: – 0.4 million) from collateral received were used.

146

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

FINANCIAL ASSETS IMPAIRED AT THE BALANCE SHEET DATE

CHF million

Financial assets of a debt nature

Public corporations

Industrial enterprises

Financial institutions

Other

Mortgages and loans

Mortgages

Policy loans

Promissory notes and registered 
bonds

Time deposits

Employee loans

Reverse repurchase agreements

Gross amount

Impairment

Carrying amount

Gross amount

Impairment Carrying amount

2012 (restated)

–

3.1

65.6

–

–

– 3.1

– 42.2

–

–

–

23.4

–

–

3.1

26.3

–

–

– 3.1

– 24.7

–

2013

–

–

1.6

–

201.1

– 50.3

150.8

172.1

– 41.8

130.3

–

0.0

–

–

–

–

0.0 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.0

–

–

–

–

0.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Other loans

54.4

– 18.4

36.0

47.0

– 16.9

30.1

Receivables from financial contracts

Reinsurance assets

Receivables from reinsurers

Insurance receivables

Other receivables

Receivables from investments

Total

–

–

0.3

156.2

11.8

28.4

520.9

–

–

– 0.3

– 35.1

– 4.4

– 2.3

– 156.1

–

–

0.0

121.1

7.4

26.1

364.8

–

–

0.3

127.6

12.9

24.2

413.7

–

–

– 0.3

– 39.9

– 3.7

– 2.2

– 132.6

–

–

–

87.7

9.3

22.0

281.1

147

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

FINANCIAL ASSETS OVERDUE BUT NOT IMPAIRED AT THE BALANCE SHEET DATE

Assets as at 31 December 2012 (restated)

< 3 months

3 – 6 months

7 – 12 months

> 12 months

Total 

CHF million

Financial assets of a debt nature

Public corporations

Industrial enterprises

Financial institutions

Other

Mortgages and loans

Mortgages

Policy loans

Promissory notes and registered bonds

Time deposits

Employee loans

Reverse repurchase agreements

Other loans

Receivables from financial contracts

Reinsurance assets

Receivables from reinsurers

Insurance receivables

Other receivables

Receivables from investments

Total

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.6

0.1

0.0

2.9

3.6

–

–

–

–

–

0.1

–

–

–

5.4

0.0

–

6.2

–

–

–

–

–

0.0

–

–

–

2.3

0.0

–

2.4

–

–

–

–

–

0.0

–

–

–

3.2

0.0

–

3.2

–

–

–

–

–

0.1

–

2.7

–

0.4

0.1

–

6.3

–

–

–

–

–

0.3

–

2.7

–

11.4

0.1

–

18.1

148

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

Assets as at 31 December 2013

< 3 months

3 – 6 months

7 – 12 months

> 12 months

Total 

CHF million

Financial assets of a debt nature

Public corporations

Industrial enterprises

Financial institutions

Other

Mortgages and loans

Mortgages

Policy loans

Promissory notes and registered bonds

Time deposits

Employee loans

Reverse repurchase agreements

Other loans

Receivables from financial contracts

Reinsurance assets

Receivables from reinsurers

Insurance receivables

Other receivables

Receivables from investments

Total

–

–

–

–

0.8

–

–

–

–

–

0.3

–

–

–

9.0

0.1

–

10.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

5.5

0.0

–

5.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

6.8

0.0

–

6.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3.6

4.4

–

–

–

–

–

0.2

–

3.0

–

1.5

0.1

–

8.4

–

–

–

–

–

0.5

–

3.0

–

22.7

0.2

–

30.8

5.8 Liquidity risk
Banks as well as insurance companies incur latent liquidity risk. This refers to the risk of rapid outflows of large 
volumes of liquidity that cannot be offset by asset sales or for which alternative funding cannot be implemented 
quickly enough. In extreme cases, a lack of liquidity can result in insolvency. Legal provisions apply and the Group-
wide Risk Management Standards require each business unit to plan its liquidity centrally. This is carried out with 
the close collaboration of the investment, actuarial, underwriting and finance departments of each business unit.

149

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

Liquidity management must take account of the maturity structure of liabilities as follows:

MATURITIES OF FINANCIAL LIABILITIES 1

Liquidity risk as at 31 December 2012 (restated)

‹ 1 year 2

1 – 3 years

4 – 5 years

> 5 years

Total Carrying amount

CHF million

Liabilities arising from banking business  
and financial contracts

With discretionary  
participation features

Measured at amortised cost

Recognised at fair value  
through profit or loss

Financial liabilities

Financial provisions

Derivative financial instruments

Insurance liabilities

Other liabilities

Contingent liabilities  
and capital commitments

Total

1,334.0

–

–

–

1,334.0

1,334.0

5,624.1

7,098.1

591.9

45.5

26.8

1,368.2

580.2

640.5

704.6

60.1

241.5

26.0

6.4

512.8

46.8

217.2

550.9

14.8

515.4

12.2

22.3

0.1

0.4

0.7

412.1

42.2

7,291.8

7,215.1

7,290.5

7,215.1

921.3

2,270.2

2,017.6

8.7

8.9

0.5

1.2

100.0

92.4

64.4

1,881.6

628.6

958.5

92.4

64.4

1,881.6

628.5

–

–

17,309.3

1,815.5

1,116.8

1,494.9

21,736.5

Liquidity risk as at 31 December 2013

‹ 1 year 2

1 – 3 years

4 – 5 years

> 5 years

Total Carrying amount

CHF million

Liabilities arising from banking business  
and financial contracts

With discretionary  
participation features

Measured at amortised cost

Recognised at fair value  
through profit or loss

Financial liabilities

Financial provisions

Derivative financial instruments

Insurance liabilities

Other liabilities

Contingent liabilities  
and capital commitments

Total

1,492.7

–

–

–

1,492.7

1,492.7

5,604.0

7,630.8

188.0

59.6

16.5

1,534.2

476.6

975.5

514.3

26.0

336.6

36.3

9.6

582.4

46.3

3.0

541.3

–

599.2

134.3

7,258.8

7,791.1

7,258.4

7,791.1

275.7

1,139.6

1,939.9

1,697.6

5.9

17.5

0.2

0.0

0.8

27.6

24.5

1.2

0.9

20.8

129.4

68.2

2,118.0

523.8

1,000.1

129.4

68.2

2,118.0

523.8

–

–

17,977.8

1,554.5

841.4

1,948.1

22,321.9

1   Based on undiscounted contractual cash flows.
2   All demand deposits are included in the first maturity band.

150

 
Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

Please refer to the tables in section 23 for the residual terms and maturities of technical reserves. 

In accordance with the Group-wide Risk Management Standards, asset and liability management committees 
have been introduced in all strategic business units in the Baloise Group. These asset and liability management 
committees analyse maturity schedules and the income generated by assets or required for liabilities. 

As part of tactical and strategic investment planning, care is taken when allocating the assets held by the 
individual life and non-life insurance units in the Baloise Group to ensure that sufficient liquidity is available to 
carry out investment activity and for the operational settlement of all business processes. The level of liquidity 
 required is determined on the basis of the maturity structure of investments versus the payout schedule for insur-
ance-related liabilities. The average historical pattern of incoming and outgoing cash management payments over 
the previous five years is also taken into account. Investment planning explicitly includes exceptionally large  incoming 
or outgoing payments that are known in advance. Careful maintenance of liquidity levels and recourse to reinsur-
ance provide sufficiently large reserves for payments needed at short notice, such as large claim settlements. Cash 
pooling among the Baloise Group’s Swiss companies also ensures that excess liquidity in one unit can be used to 
offset a temporary liquidity squeeze at another unit via an intra-Group interest-bearing overdraft facility.

If these precautions fail to meet the need for liquidity, the Baloise Group holds financial assets that can be 
sold at short notice without significant price losses. They include all equities (excluding long-term equity invest-
ments). Because the Group holds a substantial portfolio of government and quasi-government bonds, it is possible 
to sell relatively large holdings of available-for-sale bonds even in crisis situations. Mortgages and loans are gener-
ally held to maturity; early redemption is not considered at present. In terms of alternative financial assets, 75 per 
cent of hedge funds can be sold within three months. Private-equity investments have to be considered illiquid in 
this context, and it is not possible to sell investment property to generate immediate liquidity.

5.9 Equity price risk
The Baloise Group is exposed to equity price risk because it holds financial instruments with characteristics of 
equity classed as “recognised at fair value through profit or loss” and “available for sale”. Equity price risk is signif-
icantly reduced by means of international diversification, i.e. by spreading risk across sectors, countries and  currencies. 
Active overlay management using derivatives also mitigates equity price risk if certain intervention levels are reached 
or the market and / or risk indicators that are continuously tracked by Baloise suggest heightened hedging activity.

Most financial instruments with characteristics of equity are publicly listed. 
If the market price of all financial instruments with characteristics of equity were to move by +/– 10 per cent 
on the balance sheet date, the following impact would be observed – after shadow accounting, deferred gains /  losses, 
deferred taxes, derivative hedges and the effect of the impairment rules mentioned in section 3.10.2:

151

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

CHF million

Market price plus 10 %

Market price minus 10 %

Impact on profit for the period

Impact on equity  
(including profit for the period)

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

6.9

– 22.5

5.8

– 24.1

172.1

– 171.9

206.9

– 212.8

Because these impairment criteria produce different effects due to assumed changes in market prices if there is a 
rise compared with an analogous fall, these effects are divergent. The compensatory effects of hedging using deriv-
atives behave in a similar manner.

Adjustments in the fair value of financial instruments with characteristics of equity that are classed as “rec-
ognised at fair value through profit or loss” have an impact on the profit for the period. Unrealised gains and  losses 
vary due to changes in the fair value of financial instruments with characteristics of equity which are classed as 
“available for sale”. In a life insurance company, policyholders participate in the firm’s profits, depending on their 
policy and local circumstances (see section 3.18.5.). The table above takes account of this profit-sharing scheme.

5.10 Fair value measurement
Where available, quoted market prices are used to determine the fair value of assets and liabilities. They are defined 
as available if quoted prices can be obtained easily and frequently on an exchange, from a dealer, broker, trade 
 association, pricing service or regulatory authority, provided these prices are current and represent regularly  occurring 
arm’s-length transactions in the market. 

If no quoted market prices are available (e.g. because a market is inactive), the fair value is determined using 
a market-based measurement process. Market-based means that the measurement method is based on a significant 
quantity of observable market data (as available). 

Fair value measurement is divided into the following three hierarchy levels:

 → Fair value determined by publicly quoted prices (level 1) 

Fair value is based on prices in active markets on the balance sheet date and it is not adjusted or compiled  
in any other way.

 → Fair value determined by using observable market data (level 2) 

Fair value is estimated using generally recognised methods (discounted cash flow etc.). In this case, measure-
ment incorporates a significant quantity of observable market data (interest rates, index performance, etc.).

 → Fair value determined without the use of observable market data (level 3) 

Fair value is estimated using generally recognised methods (discounted cash flow,etc.), although it is measured 
without reference to any observable market data (or only to a very minor degree), either because it is not 
available or because it does not permit any reliable conclusions to be drawn with regard to fair value.

Detailed information about measurement principles and the measurement methods used can be found in sections 
3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.11, 3.20 and 4.1.

152

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

Details of the methods used to measure level 2 and level 3 assets and liabilities
The table below gives an overview of the measurement methods that the Baloise Group uses to determine the fair 
value of balance sheet line items classified as level 2 or level 3. The table shows the individual measurement methods, 
the key input factors used for measurement purposes and – where practicable – the range within which these input 
factors vary.

Balance sheet line item

Measurement method

Key input factors used for  
measurement purposes

Range of input factors

Level 2

Financial instruments  
with characteristics of equity

Available for sale

At fair value through profit or loss

Financial instruments  
with characteristics of liabilities

Internal measurement 
methods

Price of underlying instrument, 
liquidity discount, balance sheet 
and income statement figures

Net asset value

Net asset value

n / a

n / a

Available for sale

Present-value model

At fair value through profit or loss

Present-value model

Yield curve, swap rates,  
default risk

Interest rate, credit spread,  
market price

Mortgages and loans

At fair value through profit or loss

Present-value model

LIBOR, swap rates

Black-Scholes option 
pricing model

Black-76 option 
pricing model

Money market interest rate, volatility, 
price of underlying instrument, 
exchange rates

Volatility, forward interest rate

Stochastic  
present-value model

Present-value model

Investment fund prices, interest 
rates, cancellation rate

LIBOR, swap rates

Derivative financial instruments

Liabilities arising from banking business 
and financial contracts

At fair value through profit or loss

Level 3

Financial instruments  
with characteristics of equity

Available for sale

At fair value through profit or loss

Investment property

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

Net asset value

Net asset value

DCF method

n / a

n / a

 n / a 

 n / a 

 Discount rate 1 

 4.5 % –5.5 % 3 

 Rental income 2 

 280 – 310 CHF million 3 

 Vacancy costs 1 

 5 – 15 CHF million 3 

 Running costs 1 

 22 – 27 CHF million 3 

 Maintenance costs 1 

 24 – 28 CHF million 3 

 Capital expenditure 2 

 40 – 70 CHF million 3 

 Inflation rate 2 

 0 % – 2 % 3 

1   The lower these key input factors are, the higher the fair value of the investment property is.
2   The higher these key input factors are, the lower the fair value of the investment property is.
3   The input factor ranges shown essentially relate to the real-estate portfolios held by the Baloise Group’s Swiss entities.

153

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

Determining the fair value of assets and liabilities classified as level 3
The Baloise Group organises its operating activities into strategic business units, which are generally combined 
under a single management team for each region. The financial and management information needed for all relevant 
executive decisions is held by these strategic business units. This organisational structure is also used to delegate 
authority and responsibility for proper implementation of, and compliance with, financial reporting standards 
within the Baloise Group to the individual strategic business units.

The organisation of these individual units varies in terms of how they determine the fair value of financial 
instruments classified as level 3. This process essentially involves the regular discussion of measurement methods, 
measurement inconsistencies and classification issues by formal or informal committees at each reporting date. 
Appropriate adjustments are made where necessary.

Financial instruments with characteristics of equity classed as “available for sale” or “recognised at fair value 
through profit or loss” and classified as level 3 are primarily private-equity investments and alternative investments 
held by the Baloise Group as well as non-controlling interests in real-estate companies. The fair value of such invest-
ments is usually determined by fund managers (external providers) based on their net asset value (NAV). These 
external providers generally use non-public information to calculate the individual investments’ NAV.

The measurement of investment property classified as level 3 is carried out internally each year by experts 
using market-based assumptions that have been verified by respected external consultancies. This property is also 
assessed by external valuation specialists at regular intervals.

FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FOR OWN ACCOUNT AND AT OWN RISK 

2012 (restated)

CHF million

Assets

 Financial instruments with characteristics of equity

Available for sale

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities

Available for sale

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Mortgages and loans

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Derivative financial instruments

Receivables from financial contracts

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

1,753.2

76.5

22,387.9

55.7

–

3.5

869.8

–

45.5

16.0

819.7

331.4

714.0

3,337.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

76.5

22,433.4

71.7

819.7

334.9

56.1

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

56.1

–

Total assets 

Equity and liabilities

24,332.8

2,082.5

714.0

27,129.3

Liabilities arising from banking business and financial contracts

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Derivative financial instruments

Total equity and liabilities

–

3.4

3.4

180.3

61.0

241.3

–

–

–

180.3

64.4

244.7

154

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FOR OWN ACCOUNT AND AT OWN RISK

Total  
carrying amount

Total fair value

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

2013

CHF million

Assets measured on a recurring basis

 Financial instruments with characteristics of equity

Available for sale

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities

Held to maturity

Available for sale

4,096.4

302.0

4,096.4

302.0

2,272.6

145.2

8,100.7

8,709.4

8,709.4

22,431.0

22,431.0

22,373.6

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

72.4

72.4

36.9

Mortgages and loans

Carried at cost

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Derivative financial instruments

Receivables from financial contracts

Carried at cost

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Other receivables

Carried at cost

Receivables from investments

Carried at cost

Investment property

17,373.4

18,102.8

956.1

232.2

389.4

–

956.1

232.2

389.4

–

257.0

258.2

–

–

0.3

–

–

–

612.5

5,685.9

612.5

5,685.9

317.9

–

864.8

156.8

–

57.4

35.5

959.0

–

–

–

–

–

18,102.8

956.1

231.9

–

–

–

0.9

–

–

–

389.4

–

258.2

293.7

5,685.9

Total assets measured on a recurring basis

60,509.0

61,848.3

33,855.8

2,303.4

25,689.1

Liabilities measured on a recurring basis

Liabilities arising from banking business  
and financial contracts

Measured at amortised cost

7,258.4

7,287.7

105.8

7,029.9

151.9

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Derivative financial instruments

Financial liabilities

Total liabilities measured on a recurring basis

210.7

68.2

1,697.6

9,234.9

210.7

68.2

1,804.4

9,370.9

–

13.5

1,804.4

1,923.7

210.7

54.7

–

–

–

–

7,295.3

151.9

The Baloise Group is obliged to apply accounting standard IFRS 5 (Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discon-
tinued Operations) owing to the disposal of its Croatian and Serbian units. The Baloise Group has assets and  liabilities 
measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as part of the disposal group recognised for this purpose. Informa-
tion on the fair value of the disposal group can be found in note 21.

155

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FOR THE ACCOUNT AND AT THE RISK OF LIFE INSURANCE POLICYHOLDERS

2012 (restated)

CHF million

Assets

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Financial instruments with characteristics of equity

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

5,964.0

45.0

53.2

6,062.2

Financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Derivative financial instruments

Total assets 

Equity and liabilities

Liabilities arising from banking business and financial contracts

1,785.1

8.8

7,757.9

34.6

153.8

233.4

–

–

53.2

1,819.7

162.6

8,044.5

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Total equity and liabilities

7,032.2

7,032.2

2.6

2.6

–

–

7,034.8

7,034.8

FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FOR THE ACCOUNT AND AT THE RISK OF LIFE INSURANCE POLICYHOLDERS  
AND THIRD PARTIES

2013

CHF million

Assets measured on a recurring basis

 Financial instruments with characteristics of equity

Total  
carrying amount

Total fair value

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

6,946.1

6,946.1

6,847.0

47.3

51.8

Financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

1,723.1

1,723.1

1,692.8

30.3

Mortgages and loans

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Derivative financial instruments

Other assets

–

178.5

–

178.5

–

28.8

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

47.3

47.3

47.3

Total assets measured on a recurring basis

8,894.9

8,894.9

8,615.9

Liabilities measured on a recurring basis

Liabilities arising from banking business  
and financial contracts

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

7,580.3

7,580.3

7,577.7

Derivative financial instruments

–

–

–

Total liabilities measured on a recurring basis

7,580.3

7,580.3

7,577.7

–

149.7

–

227.2

2.6

–

2.6

–

–

–

–

51.8

–

–

–

156

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value and classified as level 3 

FINANCIAL ASSETS FOR OWN ACCOUNT AND AT OWN RISK 

Financial instruments with 
characteristics of equity

Financial instruments with 
characteristics of liabilities

Mortgages  
and loans

Derivative 
financial 
instruments

Receivables 
from financial 
contracts

Total

Recognised  
at fair value 
through  
profit or loss

Recognised  
at fair value 
through  
profit or loss

Recognised  
at fair value 
through  
profit or loss

Recognised  
at fair value 
through  
profit or loss

Recognised  
at fair value 
through  
profit or loss

Available  
for sale

Available  
for sale

705.6

58.4

–

–

– 55.4

–

– 4.9

18.8

– 8.4

714.0

– 4.9

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

705.6

58.4

–

–

– 55.4

–

– 4.9

18.8

– 8.4

714.0

– 4.9

2012 (restated)

CHF million

Assets

Balance as at 1 January

Additions

Additions arising from change  
in the scope of consolidation

Reclassifications

Disposals

Disposals arising from change  
in the scope of consolidation

Changes in fair value recognised  
in profit or loss

Changes in fair value not recognised  
in profit or loss

Exchange differences

Balance as at 31 December

Changes in fair value of financial  
instruments held at the balance sheet 
date and recognised in profit or loss 

These items largely comprise private-equity investments and non-controlling interests in real-estate companies.

157

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE ON A RECURRING BASIS FOR OWN ACCOUNT AND AT OWN RISK  
AND CLASSIFIED AS LEVEL 3

2013

CHF million

Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis

Balance as at 1 January

Additions

Additions arising from change in the scope of consolidation

Additions arising from change in the percentage of shareholding

Disposals

Disposals arising from change in the scope of consolidation

Disposals arising from change in the percentage of shareholding

Reclassified to level 3 1

Reclassified from level 3 1

Reclassification to  non-current assets and disposal groups classified  
as held for sale

Changes in fair value recognised in profit or loss 2

Changes in fair value not recognised in profit or loss 3

Exchange differences

Balance as at 31 December

Changes in fair value of financial instruments held  
at the balance sheet date and recognised in profit or loss 

Financial 
instruments with 
characteristics  
of equity

Available  
for sale

714.0

96.5

–

–

Total

Investment 
property

Recognised  
at fair value 
through  
profit or loss

5,441.0

6,155.0

228.6

13.0

–

325.1

13.0

–

– 61.5

– 135.6

– 197.1

–

–

280.3

– 65.4

– 1.7

–

8.5

– 0.4

– 1.7

–

288.8

– 65.7

–

– 9.3

– 9.3

– 14.4

11.8

– 2.4

959.0

127.0

0.6

14.0

112.6

12.4

11.6

5,685.9

6,645.0

– 14.4

126.7

112.4

1   Any reclassification of financial instruments either to or from level 3 during the reporting period was mainly attributable to market inactivity coupled with 

unobservable inputs or to the cancellation of the lock-up period applicable to certain hedge fund. Investment property reclassified either to or from Level 3 
essentially related to real estate that had been repurposed.

2   Changes in fair value recognised in profit or loss arise from realised gains and losses on investments, impairment losses or the reversal of impairment losses.
3   Changes in fair value not recognised in profit or loss arise from unrealised gains and losses on investments.

158

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

FINANCIAL ASSETS FOR THE ACCOUNT AND AT THE RISK OF LIFE INSURANCE POLICYHOLDERS 

2012 (restated)

CHF million

Assets

Balance as at 1 January

Additions

Additions arising from change in the scope of consolidation

Additions arising from change in the percentage  
of shareholding

Reclassifications

Disposals

Disposals arising from change in the scope of consolidation

Changes in fair value recognised in profit or loss

Exchange differences

Balance as at 31 December

Changes in fair value of financial instruments held  
at the balance sheet date and recognised in profit or loss 

Financial instruments 
with characteristics 
of equity

Financial 
 instruments with 
 characteristics  
of liabilities

Derivative  
financial  
instruments

Recognised at  
fair value through  
profit or loss

Recognised at  
fair value through  
profit or loss

Recognised at  
fair value through  
profit or loss

75.8

3.1

–

–

–

– 24.5

–

– 0.7

– 0.5

53.2

– 0.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total

75.8

3.1

–

–

–

– 24.5

–

– 0.7

– 0.5

53.2

– 0.7

159

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE ON A RECURRING BASIS FOR THE ACCOUNT AND AT THE RISK OF  
LIFE INSURANCE POLICYHOLDERS AND THIRD PARTIES AND CLASSIFIED AS LEVEL 3

2013

CHF million

Assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis

Balance as at 1 January

Additions

Additions arising from change in the scope of consolidation

Additions arising from change in the percentage of shareholding

Disposals

Disposals arising from change in the scope of consolidation

Disposals arising from change in the percentage of shareholding

Reclassified to level 3 1

Reclassified from level 3 1

Reclassification to  non-current assets and disposal groups classified  
as held for sale

Changes in fair value recognised in profit or loss 2

Changes in fair value not recognised in profit or loss 3

Exchange differences

Balance as at 31 December

Financial 
instruments with 
characteristics 
of equity

Recognised  
at fair value 
through  
profit or loss

53.2

3.1

–

–

Total

53.2

3.1

–

–

– 2.7

– 2.7

–

–

–

–

–

– 2.6

–

0.8

51.8

–

–

–

–

–

– 2.6

–

0.8

51.8

Changes in fair value of financial instruments held  
at the balance sheet date and recognised in profit or loss 

– 2.6

– 2.6

1   No financial instruments were reclassified either to or from level 3 during the reporting period.
2   Changes in fair value recognised in profit or loss arise from realised gains and losses on investments, impairment losses or the reversal of impairment losses.

160

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

Reclassification of assets and liabilities from level 1 to level 2 and vice versa
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are generally reclassified from level 1 to level 2 if there is no longer 
deemed to be an active market in these instruments owing to their low daily trading volumes or lack of liquidity or 
if the instruments concerned have been de-listed. Financial instruments are reclassified from level 2 to level 1 for 
the exact opposite reasons. 

No significant amounts of assets or liabilities measured at fair value were reclassified from level 1 to level 2 or 

vice versa during the reporting period.

Discrepancy between a non-financial asset’s highest and best use and its current use
The fair value of certain items of investment property in the Swiss portfolio was adjusted owing to the first-time 
adoption of IFRS 13. Fair value in each case was determined according to the property’s highest and best use. A 
higher fair value was ultimately determined for this property as a result of this analysis, which was based on  criteria 
such as the potential to increase a property’s market value by converting it into apartments, the repurposing of some 
or all of an existing property, the availability of a significant amount of land for further building and development, 
and the unlocking of added value by demolishing an existing property and building a new one.

5.11 Capital management
The general parameters regarding the amount of capital employed are set by regulatory requirements and internal 
risk-management policies. While the aim of regulatory requirements is primarily the protection of policyholders, 
internal policies are largely derived from the risk-based management of operating activities. 

The solvency margin of the Baloise Group (including the Croatian and Serbian units) for pure insurance 
business of – 2,160 million (2012 (restated): – 2,096 million) was met in 2012 and 2013. The cover ratio for the  
capital  adequacy  requirement  in  available  funds  was  267  per  cent  as  at  31  December  2013  (2012  (restated):  
266 per cent). The capital currently available consists of IFRS equity, unallocated policyholders’ dividends and the 
final policyholders’ dividend reserve. Liabilities are also recognised as capital in accordance with the corresponding 
options for solvency coverage at individual company level. Deductions from equity include planned dividend pay-
ments and intangible assets. Individual Group companies are also subject to regulation under local legislation which 
in some cases permits different methods for defining equity. The ability of the business units, and therefore also of 
the parent company, to pay dividends is closely linked to the priority placed on meeting these local requirements. 
Compliance with local solvency requirements is monitored on an ongoing basis. Appropriate action is taken if 
solvency falls short of these regulations.

The relevant requirements for the banking operations of Baloise Bank SoBa are defined by Basel III regulations. 
The regulatory capital adequacy requirement for Deutscher Ring Bausparkasse AG is governed by the German 

Solvency Regulation (SolvV). 

In both 2012 and 2013, all relevant requirements were met by each Group company.

161

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

The Swiss Solvency Test (SST) came into force on 1 January 2011 as a new statutory requirement alongside Solvency I. 
In this context, the Baloise Group defines its risk-bearing capital and capital required for the SST using an inhouse 
model that takes into account the Baloise Group’s business model. All activities and processes for developing and 
structuring the inhouse model are gathered together in the Baloise Internal Solvency System (BISS) and  coordinated 
and managed by Group Risk Management.

The inhouse model, which is based on the Swiss Solvency Test (SST), is used to calculate risk-bearing capital. 
IFRS equity forms the basis for this calculation. The remeasurement of items and the additional incorporation of 
individual assets and liabilities as well as off-balance-sheet information enable equity to be determined at fair  
value. As a result, all capital items that can be deployed to cover losses in the event of adverse business developments 
are taken into consideration.

Risk-bearing capital is compared with risk-adjusted capital and the capital requirement formulated inhouse. 
The capital requirement covers actuarial risk, market risk, credit risk and other risks. The capital requirement is 
determined by means of a correlation-based expected-shortfall method. The actuarial capital requirement is a 
measurement of the operational funding required to cover actuarial risk. The claims risk is modelled using distri-
butions of normal and large claims, including the prevailing reinsurance structure. At the same time, the investment 
required to smooth fluctuations in investment value and returns for a given probability is also calculated. Analysis 
of these risks is based on quantitative models that use statistical methods to evaluate historical data and place it in 
the context of current exposure. Various scenarios are simulated by means of stress tests, and their potential impact 
on risk-bearing capacity is analysed. The ratio of risk-bearing capital to risk-adjusted capital is calculated for the 
strategic business units and the Group. The Group’s risk position is not determined by simply adding together 
 individual risk positions; it also takes into account diversification and consolidation effects. The current ratios of 
risk-bearing capital to risk-adjusted capital are set with reference to the global risk-management limits laid down 
in the Group-wide Risk Management Standards. These limits are monitored on an ongoing basis.

The risk owner and risk controller responsible for each business unit and for the Group as a whole participate 
in a regular reporting process. Key figures relating to Solvency I and the inhouse risk model are reported on  
a monthly basis, which enables the solvency situation to be monitored in a timely manner, providing the basis for 
risk-based management decisions within the whole organisation. It also enables the Baloise Group to meet external 
reporting requirements at all times. 

162

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

6. BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION

6.1 2012 financial year

6.1.1 Acquisitions
Two property companies in Austria were acquired in 2012.

6.1.2 Disposals
The Poliklinika Osiguranje Zagreb in Croatia was sold with an effective sale date of 2 April 2012.

In addition, PiL Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH in Trier, Germany, was sold at the beginning of July 2012. 

Neither deal has had any material impact on the profit for the period.

6.1.3 Other changes in the group of consolidated companies
The bulk of Belgian non-life unit Amazon Insurance NV was partially merged with Mercator Verzekeringen (non-
life) on 1 January 2012. The remainder of Amazon continues to operate as a sales company. This transaction had no 
net impact on the Baloise Group’s profit for the period. 

In addition, Barosa S.à.r.l., a company that will operate in the property sector, was established in Luxembourg 

on 10 December 2012.

6.2 2013 financial year

6.2.1 Acquisitions
The company FIPOP S.A. was acquired in Luxembourg during the reporting year. Goodwill of – 0.6 million was 
recognised in respect of this acquisition.

6.2.2 Disposals
Belgian company AXIS Life was sold in the first half of 2013. Also in Belgium, the companies Esplan NV and Hermes 
Verzekeringsgroep NV were disposed of in the second half of the year. In Germany, the firm Partner in Life S.A. 
was sold in the first half of 2013. The transactions in Belgium and Germany have had a minor impact on the Baloise 
Group’s profit for the reporting period.

The Baloise Group disposed of 35 per cent of its shareholdings in Luxembourg-based Barosa S.à.r.l., which 

had been founded in 2012. 

6.2.3 Other changes in the group of consolidated companies
Belgian companies Nateus Life NV and Nateus NV were merged with Mercator Verzekeringen NV with effect from 
1 January 2013; these businesses have all been operating in the market under the name of “Baloise Insurance” since 
the beginning of 2013. Audi NV – another Belgium-based firm – was merged with Euromex NV with effect from 
the above date. The German companies Avetas Versicherungs-AG and Deutscher Ring Sachversicherungs-AG were 
merged with the company Basler Securitas Versicherungs-AG retrospectively from 1 January 2013. These companies 
have been renamed Basler Sachversicherungs-AG. In addition, the company Apoll Vermittlungs-GmbH was merged 
with IMAS Gesellschaft für Vermögensbildung und -sicherung mbH. And in Germany, a number of property com-
panies have been merged to form a single company. 

163

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

The section on segment reporting broken down by strategic business unit now shows the company Baloise Life 
Liechtenstein as part of the “Luxembourg” segment rather than – as previously – in the “Other units” segment. The 
section on segment reporting by operating segment now shows the Belgian company NoordSter NV as part of the 
“Life” segment rather than – as previously – in the “Other activities” segment. The firm Deutscher Pensionsring AG 
is now reported as part of the “Other activities” (Germany) segment. The prior-year comparative figures have been 
restated accordingly to ensure the comparability of segment reporting.

The application of the new standard IFRS 10 (Consolidated Financial Statements) for annual periods beginning 
on or after 1 January 2013 means that in future the Baloise Group will also have to recognise in its consolidated 
financial statements those units of its investment fund vehicle Baloise Fund Invest (BFI fund) that have been sold 
to entities outside the Group. In the past it has only had to recognise those fund units that had been sold to clients 
as part of its investment-linked life insurance business as well as units that Baloise Group companies themselves 
had acquired as an investment or as seed capital. The application of this standard has no overall impact on the 
Baloise Group’s profitability.

164

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

7.  INFORMATION ON OPERATING SEGMENTS (SEGMENT REPORTING)
The Baloise Group organises its operating activities into strategic business units, which are generally combined 
under a single management team for each region. The financial and management information needed for all relevant 
executive decisions is held by these strategic business units. This is also the organisational level at which the chief 
operating decision-makers are situated. Regardless of where they are headquartered, all Baloise Group entities are 
therefore assigned to one of the reportable segments
 → Switzerland
 → Germany
 → Belgium
 → Luxembourg
 → Other units.
The “Other units” segment contains the strategic business units that do not meet the size criteria for disclosure 
under IFRS 8. These are the Baloise Group entities that have been assigned to
 → Austria
 → Croatia
 → Serbia.
The “Germany” segment also includes the regional branches of Basler Sachversicherungs-AG and Basler Lebens-
versicherungs-AG in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The ‘Luxembourg’ segment also includes the Baloise Life 
Liechtenstein unit.

The “Group business” segment comprises the units engaged in intercompany reinsurance and financing, as well 

as corporate IT and the holding companies.

The revenue generated by the Baloise Group is broken down into the Non-Life, Life, Banking (including asset 
management) and Other Activities operating segments. The Non-Life segment offers accident and health insurance 
as well as products relating to liability, motor, property and marine insurance. These products are tailored to the 
specific needs of our customers – primarily retail clients – and the core competences of the relevant companies in 
the Baloise Group. The Life segment provides individuals and companies with a wide range of endowment policies, 
term insurance, investment-linked products and private placement life insurance. The Banking segment essentially 
comprises Baloise Bank SoBa, which acts as a universal bank in Switzerland, and Deutscher Ring Bausparkasse, which 
operates in Germany mainly as a conventional building society. 

The  “Other  Activities”  operating  segment  includes  equity  investment  companies,  real-estate  firms  and  

financing companies.

The accounting policies applied to the presentation of the operating segments (segment reporting) are those 
used throughout the rest of the Financial Report. No intersegment relationships recognised either on the balance 
sheet or in the income statement – with the exception of income from long-term equity investments – are offset 
against each other.

165

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

7.1 Segment reporting by strategic business unit

CHF million 

Income 

Premiums earned and policy fees (gross) 

Reinsurance premiums ceded 

Premiums earned and policy fees (net)

Investment income 

Realised gains and losses on investments 

Income from services rendered

Share of profit (loss) of associates

Other operating income 

Income 

Intersegment income 

Income from associates

Expense 

Claims and benefits paid (gross) 

Change in technical reserves (gross) 

Reinsurers’ share of claims incurred 

Acquisition costs 

Investment management expenses

Interest expenses on insurance liabilities

Gains or losses on financial contracts 

Other operating expenses 

Expense 

Switzerland

Germany

Belgium

Luxembourg

Other units

Sub-total

Group business

Eliminated

Total

2012 
(restated)

2013

2012 
(restated)

2013

2012 
(restated)

2013

2012 

(restated)

2012 

2012 

2012 

2012 

2012 

2013

(restated)

2013

(restated)

2013

(restated)

2013

(restated)

2013

(restated)

2013

3,834.0

4,249.4

1,490.4

1,504.5

1,063.3

1,104.2

– 176.8

– 173.9

– 97.3

– 97.4

3,657.2

4,075.6

1,393.1

1,407.2

– 70.8

992.5

– 70.0

1,034.3

946.3

136.7

54.5

0.0

30.4

927.8

137.1

41.6

0.0

52.8

506.8

246.1

52.8

16.3

25.6

503.4

270.9

35.6

41.2

38.9

260.1

33.6

6.8

0.2

9.3

270.1

30.3

2.7

– 0.7

13.9

4,825.1

5,234.7

2,240.8

2,297.1

1,302.5

1,350.5

74.2

0.0

69.9

0.0

47.8

15.6

47.1

40.9

20.2

0.2

30.8

0.3

– 3,353.8

– 3,279.8

– 1,191.3

– 1,279.1

– 668.0

– 671.1

– 63.6

– 151.0

– 139.6

– 5,428.4

– 5,433.3

– 182.6

– 150.3

143.9

– 5,449.4

– 5,439.7

217.7

– 77.3

140.4

6,731.9

7,215.4

– 434.2

– 435.9

6,297.7

6,779.5

– 259.2

– 268.3

6,731.1

7,212.7

259.2

0.0

268.3

– 176.5

– 167.9

0.0

6,554.6

7,044.8

1,761.7

1,748.3

– 1.5

– 2.3

1,782.2

1,765.1

128.8

150.0

– 139.5

– 131.6

– 14.4

– 42.2

198.3

9,141.2

9,448.8

474.7

– 155.4

– 176.0

9,423.2

9,747.5

220.3

– 368.4

– 396.3

155.4

176.0

838.5

135.7

16.5

91.2

213.1

15.8

649.1

100.5

40.5

130.9

41.2

265.6

– 0.3

265.2

19.1

21.2

–

19.2

–

258.5

– 1.5

256.9

21.9

14.4

15.2

437.4

–

–

31.6

2.1

852.9

125.0

16.5

92.0

–

15.8

670.3

119.0

40.5

107.9

–

41.2

75.5

– 500.5

– 897.1

– 70.6

– 47.3

– 368.9

– 481.3

– 16.7

– 887.7

– 1,373.7

– 33.4

47.7

– 867.7

– 1,359.4

– 3.2

– 150.0

– 191.7

113.2

261.1

– 650.8

– 880.8

– 78.1

– 50.9

– 565.1

– 324.6

270.4

– 500.9

– 869.0

– 90.7

– 47.6

– 354.7

– 422.5

– 20.5

– 27.9

1.1

0.2

– 12.0

– 12.5

–

–

– 14.3

– 16.6

– 161.0

– 199.4

28.4

– 651.0

– 28.4

– 900.0

32.6

0.3

2.4

140.7

– 59.0

– 50.5

– 577.8

– 363.2

– 401.1

– 222.7

– 18.8

– 8.7

– 20.1

– 48.5

139.5

– 17.3

122.2

16.3

196.0

12.6

–

21.2

368.2

1.1

–

– 4.3

2.2

– 12.9

– 40.0

– 0.9

– 0.2

208.2

– 72.2

136.0

33.0

14.0

8.2

–

3.4

194.7

67.2

–

– 5.9

48.1

– 38.6

– 18.1

– 2.3

– 1.1

– 0.4

30.8

15.0

8.1

–

4.2

71.5

–

44.5

– 38.5

– 9.7

– 2.5

– 0.5

– 0.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

161.7

– 11.7

20.3

– 20.3

31.0

0.3

1.6

122.4

155.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

136.0

– 17.1

118.9

15.5

408.1

13.3

–

22.5

578.2

3.7

–

– 64.3

– 55.9

16.0

– 16.8

– 36.2

– 0.7

– 0.2

0.1

–

0.1

5.2

5.3

– 4,384.1

– 4,800.2

– 2,224.7

– 2,229.1

– 1,229.0

– 1,229.6

– 578.1

– 351.3

– 189.4

– 211.9

– 8,605.3

– 8,822.1

– 355.4

– 443.2

176.0

– 8,805.4

– 9,089.3

– 295.6

– 258.3

– 21.7

– 43.2

– 31.0

– 192.4

– 239.2

– 29.8

– 41.3

– 18.2

– 87.1

20.4

– 221.4

– 148.9

– 14.5

– 0.7

– 54.1

– 52.2

– 40.3

– 5.1

– 68.8

– 43.1

– 4.8

– 59.5

– 227.4

– 154.4

– 13.1

– 1.3

– 63.8

– 45.0

– 376.5

– 849.3

– 310.1

– 416.2

– 139.2

51.9

– 72.4

96.9

– 35.7

– 105.2

– 193.8

– 135.6

– 119.3

62.0

106.4

83.2

Profit / loss before borrowing costs and taxes

441.0

434.5

16.0

68.0

73.5

120.8

16.9

5.3

– 13.5

535.9

626.7

81.9

31.5

617.9

658.2

Borrowing costs

Profit / loss before taxes

Income taxes

Profit / loss for the period (segment result)

–

–

441.0

434.5

– 81.8

359.2

– 87.0

347.6

–

16.0

13.1

29.1

–

68.0

– 15.8

52.2

–

73.5

2.1

75.6

–

120.8

– 40.4

80.5

–

16.9

– 2.5

14.4

–

5.3

– 1.2

4.1

–

–

–

– 13.5

535.9

626.7

– 8.1

– 21.7

– 62.7

473.3

– 153.8

472.9

– 61.0

20.9

– 8.9

11.9

– 50.1

– 18.6

1.1

– 17.5

– 61.0

556.8

– 71.6

485.2

– 50.1

608.1

– 152.7

455.4

Segment assets

39,357.4

40,370.7

15,915.1

16,264.8

8,794.7

9,189.9

7,635.0

8,161.2

967.3

975.6

72,669.4

74,962.2

2,089.0

1,871.6

– 980.7

– 1,136.9

73,777.7

75,696.9

166

Operating and administrative expenses for insurance business 

– 413.8

– 431.1

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

Switzerland

Germany

Belgium

Luxembourg

Other units

Sub-total

Group business

Eliminated

2012 

(restated)

2012 

2012 

2013

(restated)

2013

(restated)

2013

2012 
(restated)

2013

2012 
(restated)

2013

2012 
(restated)

2013

2012 
(restated)

2013

2012 
(restated)

2013

2012 
(restated)

Total

2013

217.7

– 77.3

140.4

6,731.9

7,215.4

– 434.2

– 435.9

6,297.7

6,779.5

30.8

15.0

8.1

–

4.2

1,761.7

1,748.3

838.5

135.7

16.5

91.2

649.1

100.5

40.5

130.9

198.3

9,141.2

9,448.8

– 259.2

– 268.3

6,731.1

7,212.7

258.5

– 1.5

256.9

21.9

14.4

265.6

– 0.3

265.2

19.1

21.2

259.2

0.0

– 1.5

–

268.3

– 176.5

– 167.9

0.0

6,554.6

7,044.8

– 2.3

1,782.2

1,765.1

–

852.9

125.0

16.5

92.0

670.3

119.0

40.5

107.9

128.8

150.0

– 139.5

– 131.6

–

19.2

–

–

– 14.4

– 42.2

–

15.2

437.4

474.7

– 155.4

– 176.0

9,423.2

9,747.5

71.5

–

213.1

15.8

220.3

– 368.4

– 396.3

155.4

176.0

41.2

–

–

–

–

–

15.8

–

41.2

136.0

– 17.1

118.9

15.5

408.1

13.3

–

22.5

578.2

3.7

–

– 64.3

– 55.9

16.0

– 16.8

– 36.2

– 0.7

– 0.2

139.5

– 17.3

122.2

16.3

196.0

12.6

–

21.2

368.2

1.1

–

208.2

– 72.2

136.0

33.0

14.0

8.2

–

3.4

194.7

67.2

–

– 4.3

2.2

– 12.9

– 40.0

– 0.9

– 0.2

– 5.9

48.1

– 38.6

– 18.1

– 2.3

– 1.1

– 0.4

– 401.1

– 222.7

– 105.2

– 193.8

– 135.6

– 119.3

– 18.8

– 8.7

– 20.1

– 48.5

– 4,384.1

– 4,800.2

– 2,224.7

– 2,229.1

– 1,229.0

– 1,229.6

– 578.1

– 351.3

– 189.4

– 211.9

– 8,605.3

– 8,822.1

– 355.4

– 443.2

0.1

–

0.1

5.2

5.3

16.9

5.3

– 13.5

535.9

626.7

81.9

31.5

–

16.9

– 2.5

14.4

–

5.3

– 1.2

4.1

–

–

–

– 13.5

535.9

626.7

– 8.1

– 21.7

– 62.7

473.3

– 153.8

472.9

– 61.0

20.9

– 8.9

11.9

– 50.1

– 18.6

1.1

– 17.5

– 63.6

– 151.0

– 139.6

– 5,428.4

– 5,433.3

– 182.6

– 150.3

– 16.7

– 887.7

– 1,373.7

– 33.4

161.7

– 11.7

143.9

– 5,449.4

– 5,439.7

47.7

– 867.7

– 1,359.4

– 3.2

– 150.0

– 191.7

113.2

44.5

– 38.5

– 9.7

– 2.5

– 0.5

– 0.3

261.1

– 650.8

– 880.8

– 78.1

– 50.9

– 565.1

– 324.6

270.4

– 500.9

– 869.0

– 90.7

– 47.6

– 354.7

– 422.5

31.6

2.1

– 20.5

– 27.9

1.1

0.2

– 12.0

– 12.5

–

–

– 14.3

– 16.6

– 161.0

– 199.4

20.3

– 20.3

31.0

0.3

1.6

122.4

155.4

–

–

–

–

–

28.4

– 651.0

– 28.4

– 900.0

32.6

0.3

2.4

140.7

– 59.0

– 50.5

– 577.8

– 363.2

75.5

– 500.5

– 897.1

– 70.6

– 47.3

– 368.9

– 481.3

176.0

– 8,805.4

– 9,089.3

–

–

–

–

–

617.9

658.2

– 61.0

556.8

– 71.6

485.2

– 50.1

608.1

– 152.7

455.4

7.1 Segment reporting by strategic business unit

CHF million 

Income 

Premiums earned and policy fees (gross) 

Reinsurance premiums ceded 

Premiums earned and policy fees (net)

Investment income 

Realised gains and losses on investments 

Income from services rendered

Share of profit (loss) of associates

Other operating income 

Income 

Intersegment income 

Income from associates

Expense 

Claims and benefits paid (gross) 

Change in technical reserves (gross) 

Reinsurers’ share of claims incurred 

Acquisition costs 

Investment management expenses

Interest expenses on insurance liabilities

Gains or losses on financial contracts 

Other operating expenses 

Expense 

Borrowing costs

Profit / loss before taxes

Income taxes

Profit / loss for the period (segment result)

3,834.0

4,249.4

1,490.4

1,504.5

1,063.3

1,104.2

– 176.8

– 173.9

– 97.3

– 97.4

3,657.2

4,075.6

1,393.1

1,407.2

– 70.8

992.5

– 70.0

1,034.3

4,825.1

5,234.7

2,240.8

2,297.1

1,302.5

1,350.5

946.3

136.7

54.5

0.0

30.4

74.2

0.0

51.9

– 72.4

– 40.3

– 5.1

– 68.8

927.8

137.1

41.6

0.0

52.8

69.9

0.0

96.9

– 35.7

– 43.1

– 4.8

– 59.5

506.8

246.1

52.8

16.3

25.6

47.8

15.6

503.4

270.9

35.6

41.2

38.9

47.1

40.9

260.1

33.6

6.8

0.2

9.3

20.2

0.2

62.0

106.4

83.2

– 295.6

– 258.3

– 21.7

– 43.2

– 31.0

– 192.4

– 239.2

– 29.8

– 41.3

– 18.2

– 227.4

– 154.4

– 13.1

– 1.3

– 63.8

– 45.0

270.1

30.3

2.7

– 0.7

13.9

30.8

0.3

– 87.1

20.4

– 221.4

– 148.9

– 14.5

– 0.7

– 54.1

– 52.2

– 3,353.8

– 3,279.8

– 1,191.3

– 1,279.1

– 668.0

– 671.1

– 376.5

– 849.3

– 310.1

– 416.2

– 139.2

–

–

441.0

434.5

– 81.8

359.2

– 87.0

347.6

–

16.0

13.1

29.1

–

68.0

– 15.8

52.2

–

73.5

2.1

75.6

–

120.8

– 40.4

80.5

Operating and administrative expenses for insurance business 

– 413.8

– 431.1

Profit / loss before borrowing costs and taxes

441.0

434.5

16.0

68.0

73.5

120.8

Segment assets

39,357.4

40,370.7

15,915.1

16,264.8

8,794.7

9,189.9

7,635.0

8,161.2

967.3

975.6

72,669.4

74,962.2

2,089.0

1,871.6

– 980.7

– 1,136.9

73,777.7

75,696.9

167

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

7.2 Segment reporting by operating segment

CHF million 

Income 

Premiums earned and policy fees (gross) 

Reinsurance premiums ceded 

Premiums earned and policy fees (net)

Investment income

Realised gains and losses on investments 

Income from services rendered

Share of profit (loss) of associates

Other operating income 

Income 

Intersegment income 

Income from associates

Expense 

Claims and benefits paid (gross) 

Change in technical reserves (gross) 

Reinsurers’ share of claims incurred 

Acquisition costs 

Operating and administrative expenses for insurance business 

Investment management expenses

Interest expenses on insurance liabilities

Gains or losses on financial contracts 

Other operating expenses 

Expense 

Non-life

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

3,307.1

– 157.8

3,149.3

285.2

– 1.9

27.2

0.0

25.9

3,485.7

– 47.7

0.0

3,425.5

– 148.3

3,277.1

276.2

118.1

17.5

0.0

39.7

3,728.6

– 48.3

0.0

3,424.0

– 18.7

3,405.3

1,347.5

845.8

27.0

0.9

59.3

5,685.9

– 28.3

0.2

Life

2013

3,787.2

– 19.5

3,767.7

1,349.4

532.1

13.8

32.7

79.6

5,775.4

– 31.7

32.7

– 2,009.1

– 2,073.7

– 42.3

106.2

– 448.6

– 588.7

– 19.3

– 1.3

– 1.0

– 71.8

– 3,076.0

– 110.8

70.8

– 464.4

– 582.8

– 22.2

– 0.7

– 0.8

– 177.7

– 3,362.3

– 3,440.2

– 825.4

– 3,366.0

– 1,248.6

7.0

– 202.4

– 311.2

– 78.5

– 49.3

– 501.0

– 108.1

4.7

– 36.1

– 314.3

– 88.3

– 46.6

– 302.5

– 116.6

– 5,509.1

– 5,514.3

Profit / loss before borrowing costs and taxes

409.7

366.3

176.7

261.1

– 47.1

– 44.5

617.9

658.2

Borrowing costs

Profit / loss before taxes

Income taxes

Profit / loss for the period (segment result)

–

409.7

– 21.7

388.0

–

366.3

– 75.3

291.0

–

176.7

– 27.9

148.9

–

261.1

– 65.8

195.3

168

Banking

Other activities

Eliminated

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

165.8

– 2.7

113.7

–

6.0

282.7

– 52.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 76.7

– 107.1

– 204.2

78.6

–

78.6

– 14.5

64.0

154.1

– 1.2

116.9

–

9.8

279.5

– 55.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 67.0

– 115.3

– 204.1

75.4

–

75.4

– 13.8

61.6

13.4

11.8

174.4

15.6

16.1

231.3

– 134.0

15.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 29.9

– 241.1

– 278.4

– 61.0

– 108.2

– 7.6

– 115.8

16.4

21.3

183.3

7.7

21.2

249.9

– 151.0

8.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 30.8

– 255.5

– 294.5

– 50.1

– 94.7

2.3

– 92.4

– 29.8

– 30.9

1,782.2

1,765.1

– 217.2

– 212.6

– 15.3

– 262.3

262.3

– 42.4

– 285.8

285.8

9,423.2

9,747.5

Total

2013

7,212.7

– 167.9

7,044.8

670.3

119.0

40.5

107.9

–

41.2

– 5,439.7

– 1,359.4

75.5

– 500.5

– 897.1

– 70.6

– 47.3

– 368.9

– 481.3

– 50.1

608.1

– 152.7

455.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

6,731.1

– 176.5

6,554.6

852.9

125.0

16.5

92.0

–

15.8

– 5,449.4

– 867.7

113.2

– 651.0

– 900.0

– 59.0

– 50.5

– 577.8

– 363.2

– 61.0

556.8

– 71.6

485.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 20.4

– 21.7

– 7.4

– 8.2

66.5

0.0

69.8

32.1

183.9

285.8

30.9

164.8

262.3

– 8,805.4

– 9,089.3

7.2 Segment reporting by operating segment

CHF million 

Income 

Premiums earned and policy fees (gross) 

Reinsurance premiums ceded 

Premiums earned and policy fees (net)

Investment income

Realised gains and losses on investments 

Income from services rendered

Share of profit (loss) of associates

Other operating income 

Income 

Intersegment income 

Income from associates

Expense 

Claims and benefits paid (gross) 

Change in technical reserves (gross) 

Reinsurers’ share of claims incurred 

Acquisition costs 

Investment management expenses

Interest expenses on insurance liabilities

Gains or losses on financial contracts 

Other operating expenses 

Expense 

Borrowing costs

Profit / loss before taxes

Income taxes

Profit / loss for the period (segment result)

Operating and administrative expenses for insurance business 

Non-life

3,425.5

– 148.3

3,277.1

276.2

118.1

17.5

0.0

39.7

3,728.6

– 48.3

0.0

– 110.8

70.8

– 464.4

– 582.8

– 22.2

– 0.7

– 0.8

– 177.7

– 3,362.3

–

366.3

– 75.3

291.0

3,307.1

– 157.8

3,149.3

285.2

– 1.9

27.2

0.0

25.9

3,485.7

– 47.7

0.0

– 42.3

106.2

– 448.6

– 588.7

– 19.3

– 1.3

– 1.0

– 71.8

–

409.7

– 21.7

388.0

Life

2013

3,787.2

– 19.5

3,767.7

1,349.4

532.1

13.8

32.7

79.6

5,775.4

– 31.7

32.7

4.7

– 36.1

– 314.3

– 88.3

– 46.6

– 302.5

– 116.6

–

261.1

– 65.8

195.3

3,424.0

– 18.7

3,405.3

1,347.5

845.8

27.0

0.9

59.3

5,685.9

– 28.3

0.2

7.0

– 202.4

– 311.2

– 78.5

– 49.3

– 501.0

– 108.1

–

176.7

– 27.9

148.9

– 2,009.1

– 2,073.7

– 3,440.2

– 825.4

– 3,366.0

– 1,248.6

Profit / loss before borrowing costs and taxes

409.7

366.3

176.7

261.1

– 3,076.0

– 5,509.1

– 5,514.3

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

Banking

Other activities

Eliminated

–

–

–

165.8

– 2.7

113.7

–

6.0

282.7

– 52.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 20.4

–

– 76.7

– 107.1

– 204.2

78.6

–

78.6

– 14.5

64.0

–

–

–

154.1

– 1.2

116.9

–

9.8

279.5

– 55.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 21.7

–

– 67.0

– 115.3

– 204.1

75.4

–

75.4

– 13.8

61.6

–

–

–

13.4

11.8

174.4

15.6

16.1

231.3

– 134.0

15.6

–

–

–

–

–

– 7.4

–

– 29.9

– 241.1

– 278.4

–

–

–

16.4

21.3

183.3

7.7

21.2

249.9

– 151.0

8.5

–

–

–

–

–

– 8.2

–

– 30.8

– 255.5

– 294.5

– 47.1

– 44.5

– 61.0

– 108.2

– 7.6

– 115.8

– 50.1

– 94.7

2.3

– 92.4

–

–

–

– 29.8

–

– 217.2

–

– 15.3

– 262.3

262.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

66.5

–

30.9

164.8

262.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 30.9

–

– 212.6

–

– 42.4

– 285.8

285.8

–

–

–

–

–

0.0

69.8

–

32.1

183.9

285.8

–

–

–

–

–

Total

2013

7,212.7

– 167.9

7,044.8

6,731.1

– 176.5

6,554.6

1,782.2

1,765.1

852.9

125.0

16.5

92.0

670.3

119.0

40.5

107.9

9,423.2

9,747.5

–

15.8

–

41.2

– 5,449.4

– 867.7

113.2

– 651.0

– 900.0

– 59.0

– 50.5

– 577.8

– 363.2

– 5,439.7

– 1,359.4

75.5

– 500.5

– 897.1

– 70.6

– 47.3

– 368.9

– 481.3

– 8,805.4

– 9,089.3

617.9

658.2

– 61.0

556.8

– 71.6

485.2

– 50.1

608.1

– 152.7

455.4

169

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

Notes to the consolidated balance sheet

8. PROPERT Y, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

8.1 Property, plant and equipment in 2012

2012 (restated)

CHF million

Carrying amount as at 1 January

Additions

Additions arising from change  
in the scope of consolidation

Disposals

Disposals arising from change  
in the scope of consolidation

Reclassification 1

Depreciation and impairment

Depreciation

Impairment losses recognised  
in profit or loss

Reversal of impairment losses  
recognised in profit or loss

Exchange differences

Carrying amount as at 31 December

Acquisition costs

Accumulated depreciation  
and impairment

Balance as at 31 December

Of which:  
Assets held under finance leases

Land

Buildings

Operating 
equipment

Machinery,  
furniture  
and vehicles

IT equipment

Total

88.1 

8.4 

–

– 0.3 

–

–

–

– 1.0 

361.9 

23.1 

–

– 6.4 

–

– 84.9 

– 18.7 

– 6.5 

52.4 

3.1 

–

– 2.9 

–

–

– 8.7 

– 0.1 

35.1 

5.3 

–

– 0.5 

– 0.6 

22.3 

10.5 

–

– 0.4 

0.0 

559.9 

50.4 

–

– 10.5 

– 0.6 

–

–

– 84.9 

– 7.6 

– 1.4 

– 9.5 

– 0.1 

– 44.5 

– 9.1 

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 0.1 

95.2 

97.1 

– 2.0 

95.2 

–

– 1.7 

266.8 

683.5 

– 416.7 

266.8 

–

– 0.1 

43.8 

142.2 

– 98.4 

43.8 

–

– 0.2 

30.1 

91.9 

– 61.8 

30.1 

–

– 0.1 

22.7 

120.8 

– 98.1 

22.7 

–

– 2.1 

458.5 

1,135.5 

– 677.0 

458.5 

–

1   The administrative building reclassified as investment property is held on a finance lease. 

Depreciation and impairment form part of other operating expenses.

170

 
Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

8.2 Property, plant and equipment in 2013

2013

CHF million

Carrying amount as at 1 January

Additions

Additions arising from change  
in the scope of consolidation

Disposals

Disposals arising from change  
in the scope of consolidation

Reclassification

Reclassification to non-current  
assets and disposal groups classified  
as held for sale

Depreciation and impairment

Depreciation

Impairment losses recognised  
in profit or loss

Reversal of impairment losses  
recognised in profit or loss

Exchange differences

Carrying amount as at 31 December

Acquisition costs

Accumulated depreciation  
and impairment

Balance as at 31 December

Of which:  
Assets held under finance leases

Land

Buildings

Operating 
equipment

Machinery,  
furniture  
and vehicles

IT equipment

Total

95.2 

0.0 

–

–

–

– 1.9 

– 0.1 

–

0.0 

–

0.4 

93.6 

95.5 

– 2.0 

93.6 

–

266.8 

0.9 

–

– 0.3 

–

– 5.3 

– 11.4 

– 12.7 

– 1.2 

0.9 

2.7 

240.5 

616.9 

– 376.4 

240.5 

–

43.8 

8.3 

–

0.0 

– 0.2 

– 0.5 

–

– 8.1 

–

–

0.1 

43.4 

121.2 

– 77.8 

43.4 

–

30.1 

5.0 

0.3 

– 0.5 

– 0.1 

– 0.5 

– 1.9 

– 6.8 

0.0 

–

0.3 

25.9 

76.6 

22.7 

7.6 

–

– 0.1 

0.0 

0.0 

– 0.7 

– 10.5 

–

–

0.1 

19.1 

90.3 

– 50.7 

– 71.2 

25.9 

–

19.1 

–

458.5 

21.8 

0.3 

– 0.9 

– 0.3 

– 8.1 

– 14.1 

– 38.0 

– 1.2 

0.9 

3.7 

422.5 

1,000.5 

– 578.1 

422.5 

–

Depreciation and impairment form part of other operating expenses.

171

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

9. INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

9.1 Intangible assets in 2012

2012 (restated)

CHF million

Present value  
of gains  
on insurance 
contracts  
acquired

Goodwill

Deferred  
acquisition  
cost 
(life)

Deferred  
acquisition  
cost 
(non-life)

Other  
intangible 
assets

Internally  
developed 
intangible 
assets

Carrying amount as at 1 January 

75.4

70.4

775.3

161.3

Additions arising from change  
in the scope of consolidation

Additions

Capitalisation of acquisition costs

Disposals

Disposals arising from change  
in the scope of consolidation

Reclassification

Amortisation and impairment

Amortisation

Write-ups

Impairment losses recognised  
in profit or loss

Reversal of impairment losses  
recognised in profit or loss

Changes due to impending losses

Change due to unrealised gains  
and losses on financial instruments  
(shadow accounting)

Exchange differences

Carrying amount as at 31 December

Acquisition costs

Accumulated amortisation  
and impairment

Balance as at 31 December 1

Intangible assets by segment

Switzerland

Germany

Belgium

Luxembourg

Other units

Group business

Total for geographic regions

–

–

–

–

82.4

235.0 2

–

–

–

–

–

–

217.6

–

24.4

–

– 0.5

– 0.7

–

0.3

–

0.2

–

–

–

–

Total

1,300.2

–

24.7

317.4

– 0.5

– 0.7

–

– 141.3

– 236.5 2

– 46.3

– 0.2

– 429.9

1.0

–

–

– 55.6

– 62.8

– 3.9

595.2

–

–

–

–

–

– 5.2

–

– 0.6

154.0

–

–

–

0.0 

–

–

–

– 0.8

193.7

562.5

– 368.8

–

–

–

–

–

0.0 

0.3

10.2

– 9.9

1.0

– 3.9

–

– 60.8

– 62.8

– 6.3

1,078.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 1.5

–

–

–

– 0.5

73.4

307.3

– 233.9

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 5.5

–

– 2.4

–

–

–

– 0.5

62.0

–

–

73.4

62.0

595.2

154.0

193.7

0.3

1,078.5

–

32.2

16.7

14.0

10.4

–

73.4

–

19.6

26.0

–

16.3

–

62.0

105.5

449.2

8.7

9.9

21.9

–

52.4

23.9

54.9

3.0

19.9

–

69.5

11.3

93.6

9.8

3.0

6.5

595.2

154.0

193.7

–

0.0

–

–

–

0.3

0.3

227.4

536.3

199.9

36.7

71.4

6.7

1,078.5

1   With the possible exception of goodwill, the Baloise Group has no intangible assets with indefinite useful lives.
2   The way in which the deferral and amortisation of acquisition costs are reported has been harmonised as a result of organisational and systems mergers  
in the German non-life business. This adjustment has had no impact on profit or loss. The comparative prior-year figures have been restated accordingly.

172

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

9.2 Intangible assets in 2013

2013

CHF million

Carrying amount as at 1 January 

Additions arising from change  
in the scope of consolidation

Additions

Capitalisation of acquisition costs

Disposals

Disposals arising from change  
in the scope of consolidation

Reclassification

Reclassification to non-current  
assets and disposal groups classified  
as held for sale 2

Amortisation and impairment

Amortisation

Write-ups

Impairment losses recognised  
in profit or loss

Reversal of impairment losses  
recognised in profit or loss

Changes due to impending losses

Change due to unrealised gains  
and losses on financial instruments  
(shadow accounting)

Exchange differences

Carrying amount as at 31 December

Acquisition costs

Accumulated amortisation  
and impairment

Balance as at 31 December 1

Intangible assets by segment

Switzerland

Germany

Belgium

Luxembourg

Other units

Group business

Total for geographic regions

Present value  
of gains  
on insurance 
contracts  
acquired

Deferred  
acquisition  
cost 
(life)

Deferred  
acquisition  
cost 
(non-life)

Other  
intangible 
assets

Internally  
developed 
intangible 
assets

Goodwill

73.4

0.6

–

–

–

–

–

62.0

595.2

154.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

72.2

240.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

193.7

–

23.4

–

– 0.8

– 0.1

0.0

– 1.9

0.3

–

0.1

–

–

0.0

–

–

– 10.5

– 15.3

– 3.8

– 0.9

Total

1,078.5

0.6

23.5

312.6

– 0.8

– 0.1

0.0

– 32.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

1.0

64.6

210.2

– 145.7

– 5.6

–

– 0.6

–

–

–

1.0

41.4

–

–

– 31.9

1.1

–

–

– 0.4

17.0

7.0

656.6

–

–

– 242.7

– 37.4

– 0.2

– 317.8

–

–

–

3.3

–

1.5

155.6

–

–

–

– 16.7

–

–

–

1.8

162.0

482.2

– 320.2

–

–

–

–

–

0.0

0.2

10.1

– 9.9

1.1

– 17.4

–

2.9

17.0

12.4

1,080.3

–

–

64.6

41.4

656.6

155.6

162.0

0.2

1,080.3

–

32.7

17.0

14.8

–

–

64.6

–

17.3

24.1

–

0.0

–

41.4

137.1

470.0

14.6

13.0

21.9

–

51.6

19.6

62.4

3.1

19.0

–

42.7

8.4

93.4

9.7

0.5

7.3

656.6

155.6

162.0

–

–

–

–

–

0.2

0.2

231.3

548.0

211.5

40.6

41.4

7.5

1,080.3

173

1   With the possible exception of goodwill, the Baloise Group has no intangible assets with indefinite useful lives.
2   The goodwill recognised on the Croatian unit has been reclassified to the disposal group owing to the application of IFRS 5 (Non-current Assets Held for Sale  

and Discontinued Operations). Pertinent details can be found in section 21.

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

The entire amount of goodwill recognised in respect of PiL Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH (CHF 1.5 million) was 
written off in 2012. 

The impairment recognised for impending losses and the changes in unrealised gains and losses on financial 
instruments (shadow accounting) reported as deferred acquisition costs in life insurance were caused by the adverse 
interest-rate trends prevailing during 2012.

Impairment losses totalling CHF 16.7 million were recognised on other intangible assets in respect of large-

scale IT projects in 2013.

9.3 Assumptions used to test the impairment of significant goodwill items
Assumptions used to forecast future business developments and trends have been reviewed by the local management 
teams and take account of macroeconomic conditions.

Zeus Vermittlungsgesellschaft mbH

Basler Financial Services GmbH

Basler osiguranje Zagreb d.d.

Bâloise Assurances Luxembourg S.A.

Baloise Belgium NV

Goodwill

Discount rate

Growth rate

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

14.7

15.3

10.4

12.1

16.7

14.9

15.5

–

12.3

17.0

9.1

7.5

11.5

9.3

7.0

9.4

7.7

–

9.3

7.0

1.0

1.0

3.0

2.6

2.6

1.0

1.0

–

2.6

2.6

174

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

Finanzbericht 
Anhang der konsolidierten Jahresrechnung

10. INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES

10.1 Significant investments in associates
OVB Holding AG is a European sales company for risk cover, retirement pension and healthcare products as well 
as wealth-building products. It also brokers Basler Versicherungen products. The company is strategically important 
because it constitutes a significant distribution channel.

The financial information reflects the amounts reported in the financial statements of the associate rather 
than the share of those amounts that is attributable to the Baloise Group. The associate’s financial statements are 
prepared in accordance with IFRS. OVB Holding is included in the Baloise Group’s consolidated annual financial 
statements under the equity method. Because the publicly traded OVB Holding’s relevant financial year-end closing 
information, which is used for measurement purposes, had not been published by the time the Financial Report 
was being prepared, measurement has been based in each case on the financial closing data for the period ended 
30 September of the reporting year. 

SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES

CHF million

Investments

Other assets

Receivables and assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Actuarial liabilities

Other accounts payable

Net assets

Premiums earned and policy fees (net)

Insurance benefits and expenses arising from insurance and asset management business

Gains on investments

Other income and expenses

Borrowing costs

Income taxes

Profit for the period

Other comprehensive income

Comprehensive income

Dividends paid to the Baloise Group

OVB Holding

2012 (restated)

2013

40.2

26.8

68.2

45.6

–

– 83.5

97.3

171.2

– 113.8

1.3

– 48.7

–

– 3.5

6.5

0.0

6.5

2.0

49.4

25.5

70.8

37.5

–

– 84.3

98.9

173.1

– 114.3

0.8

– 50.6

–

– 2.4

6.6

0.0

6.6

3.1

175

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

RECONCILIATION OF SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION ON SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENTS  
IN ASSOCIATES

CHF million

Net assets as at 1 October

Profit for the period

Other comprehensive income

Net assets as at 30 September

Baloise Group’s interest (per cent)

Carrying amount as at 30 September

Fair value as at 30 September

OVB Holding

2012 (restated)

2013

95.8

8.3

– 6.8

97.3

97.3

10.0

– 8.4

98.9

32.57 %

32.57 %

72.1

73.2

119.5

114.5

10.2 Non-significant investments in associates
The Baloise Group holds investments in a number of non-significant associates. As at 31 December 2013, it held 
more than 20 per cent of the capital of three companies but does not have any influence over these companies’ 
management. As a result, they are not reported as associates.

CHF million

Total

Carrying amount

Baloise’s share of

profit or loss for 
the period from 
continuing 
operations

profit or loss for 
the period from 
discontinued 
operations

other 
comprehensive 
income

comprehensive 
income

148.7

4.3

0.0

0.5

4.8

There were no contingent liabilities arising from investments in associates and no unrecognised shares of the  losses 
of associates as at either 31 December 2013 or 31 December 2012.

176

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

11.  INVESTMENT PROPERT Y

CHF million

Balance as at 1 January

Additions

Additions arising from change in scope of consolidation

Disposals

Disposals arising from change in scope of consolidation

Reclassification 1

Reclassification to  non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale

Change in fair value

Exchange differences

Balance as at 31 December

Operating expenses arising from investment property that generates rental income

Operating expenses arising from investment property that does not generate rental income

2012 (restated)

2013

5,138.0

5,441.0

190.1

6.9

228.6

13.0

– 110.2

– 135.6

–

84.9

–

136.1

– 4.7

– 1.7

8.1

– 9.3

127.7

14.0

5,441.0

5,685.9

75.8

0.1

70.1

0.5

1   The items reclassified in the restated 2012 financial year primarily related to a leasing arrangement that offered an option to purchase an investment property.  

The leasing arrangement includes a repayment schedule and is contractually fixed until mid-2018.

The adjustment of the interest-rate trend in the valuation model for the Swiss property portfolio, which in  particular 
caused the underlying discount rates to change, resulted in a corresponding revaluation of the portfolio. In 2012, 
this revaluation represented the main component of the amount reported under “Change in fair value”.

The increase in the portfolio during the reporting year was largely attributable to real estate acquired by the 
Belgian and Luxembourg units. The investment property held by the Croatian and Serbian units that have been sold 
was reclassified as non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale.

177

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

12. FINANCIAL ASSETS

CHF million

Financial assets of an equity nature

Available for sale

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Financial assets of a debt nature

Held to maturity

Available for sale

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Financial assets for own account and at own risk

Financial assets for the account and at the risk of life insurance policyholders

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss 1

Financial assets as reported on the balance sheet

2012 (restated)

2013

3,337.0

76.5

4,096.4

302.0

8,188.5

8,100.7

22,433.4

22,431.0

71.7

72.4

34,107.1

35,002.4

7,881.9

8,669.1

41,989.0

43,671.5

1   Of which financial assets totalling CHF 72.9 million (2012: CHF 42.1 million) involved insurance policies that had not been fully reviewed by the balance sheet date.

178

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

This page has been left empty on purpose.

179

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

FINANCIAL ASSETS FOR OWN ACCOUNT AND AT OWN RISK

CHF million

Financial assets of an equity nature

Publicly listed

Not publicly listed

Total

Financial assets of a debt nature

Publicly listed, fixed interest rate

Publicly listed, variable interest rate

Not publicly listed, fixed interest rate

Not publicly listed, variable interest rate

Total

IMPAIRMENT OF HELD-TO-MATURIT Y FINANCIAL ASSETS OF A DEBT NATURE

CHF million

Balance as at 1 January

Usage not recognised in profit or loss

Unused provisions reversed through profit or loss

Increases and additional provisions recognised in profit or loss

Disposal arising from change in scope of consolidation

Reclassification to  non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale

Currency translation

Balance as at 31 December

180

Held to maturity

Available for sale

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Total

Trading portfolio

Designated

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

1,849.0

1,488.0

3,337.0

2,225.5

1,870.9

4,096.4

22,201.6

22,191.4

186.4

45.5

–

153.8

85.6

0.2

22,433.4

22,431.0

0.4

–

0.4

–

–

–

–

–

0.5

–

0.5

–

–

–

–

–

76.1

–

76.1

12.1

43.6

16.0

–

71.7

35.6

265.9

301.5

0.1

36.8

35.5

–

72.4

1,925.5

1,488.0

3,413.5

2,261.5

2,136.8

4,398.4

30,402.2

30,231.7

229.9

61.5

–

190.6

181.6

0.2

30,693.6

30,604.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

8,188.5

8,040.2

–

–

–

–

60.5

–

8,188.5

8,100.7

2012 (restated)

2013

– 7.6 

7.6 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 0.3 

–

0.3 

–

–

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

FINANCIAL ASSETS FOR OWN ACCOUNT AND AT OWN RISK

CHF million

Financial assets of an equity nature

Publicly listed

Not publicly listed

Total

Financial assets of a debt nature

Publicly listed, fixed interest rate

Publicly listed, variable interest rate

Not publicly listed, fixed interest rate

Not publicly listed, variable interest rate

Total

Held to maturity

Available for sale

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Total

Trading portfolio

Designated

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

60.5

8,188.5

8,040.2

8,188.5

8,100.7

1,849.0

1,488.0

3,337.0

2,225.5

1,870.9

4,096.4

22,201.6

22,191.4

186.4

45.5

–

153.8

85.6

0.2

22,433.4

22,431.0

0.4

–

0.4

–

–

–

–

–

0.5

–

0.5

–

–

–

–

–

76.1

–

76.1

12.1

43.6

16.0

–

71.7

35.6

265.9

301.5

0.1

36.8

35.5

–

72.4

1,925.5

1,488.0

3,413.5

2,261.5

2,136.8

4,398.4

30,402.2

30,231.7

229.9

61.5

–

190.6

181.6

0.2

30,693.6

30,604.1

181

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

FINANCIAL ASSETS FOR OWN ACCOUNT AND AT OWN RISK

CHF million

Type of financial asset 

Equities

Equity funds

Mixed funds

Bond funds

Real-estate funds

Private equity 

Hedge funds 

Financial assets of an equity nature

Public corporations

Industrial enterprises

Financial institutions

Other

Financial assets of a debt nature

Held to maturity

Available for sale

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Total

Trading portfolio

Designated

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

6,982.6

33.8

1,138.1

34.1

8,188.5

6,997.0

24.0

1,052.7

26.9

8,100.7

Total

8,188.5

8,100.7

25,770.4

26,527.3

0.4

0.5

147.7

373.9

34,107.1

35,002.4

Secured financial assets of a debt nature

Public corporations

Industrial enterprises

Financial institutions

Other

Total

1.2

–

918.6

–

919.8

–

–

870.2

–

870.2

Secured financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities are fixed-income securities for which a mortgage or 
a government bond has been securitised as collateral. 

182

3,337.0

4,096.4

0.4

0.5

301.5

3,413.5

4,398.4

1,309.8

111.6

118.6

135.4

390.8

555.0

715.8

2,070.3

168.5

97.9

79.2

425.4

571.8

683.2

10,358.8

10,335.0

2,455.1

9,619.4

0.2

2,836.1

9,259.6

0.2

22,433.4

22,431.0

291.0

–

203.4

–

5,979.9

5,932.0

0.2

0.2

6,271.1

6,135.5

–

0.1

0.3

0.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.1

0.3

0.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.0

18.8

52.2

5.0

0.0

–

–

76.1

21.9

0.6

49.2

–

71.7

0.1

0.0

–

–

0.1

–

21.9

273.9

5.7

0.0

–

–

22.3

50.1

–

–

1,309.9

2,070.3

130.5

171.1

140.4

390.8

555.0

715.8

190.6

372.1

84.9

425.5

571.8

683.2

17,363.2

2,489.5

10,806.7

34.3

17,354.3

2,860.2

10,362.4

27.1

72.4

30,693.6

30,604.1

0.1

0.0

–

–

0.1

292.4

–

203.4

–

6,898.5

6,802.2

0.2

0.2

7,191.1

7,005.8

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

FINANCIAL ASSETS FOR OWN ACCOUNT AND AT OWN RISK

CHF million

Type of financial asset 

Equities

Equity funds

Mixed funds

Bond funds

Real-estate funds

Private equity 

Hedge funds 

Public corporations

Industrial enterprises

Financial institutions

Financial assets of an equity nature

Financial assets of a debt nature

Secured financial assets of a debt nature

Public corporations

Industrial enterprises

Financial institutions

Other

Total

Other

Total

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

6,982.6

33.8

1,138.1

34.1

8,188.5

6,997.0

24.0

1,052.7

26.9

8,100.7

1.2

–

–

918.6

919.8

–

–

–

870.2

870.2

Held to maturity

Available for sale

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Total

Trading portfolio

Designated

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

1,309.8

111.6

118.6

135.4

390.8

555.0

715.8

2,070.3

168.5

97.9

79.2

425.4

571.8

683.2

3,337.0

4,096.4

10,358.8

10,335.0

2,455.1

9,619.4

0.2

2,836.1

9,259.6

0.2

22,433.4

22,431.0

–

0.1

0.3

0.1

–

–

–

0.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.1

0.3

0.0

–

–

–

0.5

–

–

–

–

–

0.0

18.8

52.2

5.0

0.0

–

–

76.1

21.9

0.6

49.2

–

71.7

–

21.9

273.9

5.7

0.0

–

–

1,309.9

2,070.3

130.5

171.1

140.4

390.8

555.0

715.8

190.6

372.1

84.9

425.5

571.8

683.2

301.5

3,413.5

4,398.4

22.3

–

50.1

–

72.4

17,363.2

2,489.5

10,806.7

34.3

17,354.3

2,860.2

10,362.4

27.1

30,693.6

30,604.1

8,188.5

8,100.7

25,770.4

26,527.3

0.4

0.5

147.7

373.9

34,107.1

35,002.4

291.0

–

203.4

–

5,979.9

5,932.0

0.2

0.2

6,271.1

6,135.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.1

–

0.0

–

0.1

0.1

–

0.0

–

0.1

292.4

–

203.4

–

6,898.5

6,802.2

0.2

0.2

7,191.1

7,005.8

Secured financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities are fixed-income securities for which a mortgage or 

a government bond has been securitised as collateral. 

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS CLASSIFIED AS HELD TO MATURIT Y

CHF million

Public corporations

Industrial enterprises

Financial institutions

Other

Total

Carrying amount

Fair value

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

6,982.6

6,997.0

7,965.6

7,553.9

33.8

24.0

35.8

25.8

1,138.1

1,052.7

1,224.6

1,102.2

34.1

26.9

35.5

27.6

8,188.5

8,100.7

9,261.5

8,709.4

183

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

13. MORTGAGES AND LOANS

CHF million

Mortgages and loans 
carried at cost

Mortgages 

Policy loans

Promissory notes  
and registered bonds

Time deposits

Employee loans

Reverse repurchase 
agreements

Other loans

Sub-total

Mortgages and loans  
recognised at fair value  
through profit or loss

Mortgages 

Policy loans

Sub-total

Gross amount

Impairment

Carrying amount

Fair value

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

10,241.0

10,222.9

– 50.3

– 41.8

10,190.7

10,181.1

10,697.8

10,460.7

180.2

5,812.4

1,101.0

42.6

–

168.1

6,027.2

608.1

37.3

–

–

0.0 

–

–

–

–

0.0

–

–

–

180.2

5,812.4

1,101.0

42.6

–

168.1

6,027.2

608.1

37.3

–

192.1

6,552.2

1,101.0

44.1

–

175.8

6,456.5

608.1

38.5

–

382.7

368.5

17,759.9

17,432.1

– 18.4

– 68.7

– 16.9

– 58.7

364.3

351.5

381.7

363.3

17,691.2

17,373.4

18,968.8

18,102.8

819.2

0.5

819.7

955.7

0.4

956.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

819.2

0.5

819.7

955.7

0.4

956.1

819.2

0.5

819.7

955.7

0.4

956.1

Mortgages and loans

18,579.6

18,388.2

– 68.7

– 58.7

18,510.9

18,329.5

19,788.5

19,058.9

The changes in the fair value of mortgages recognised at fair value through profit or loss are attributable to  changes 
in volumes and to changes in the yield curve on which measurement is based.

IMPAIRMENT OF MORTGAGES AND LOANS

CHF million

Balance as at 1 January

Usage not recognised in profit or loss

Unused provisions reversed through profit or loss

Increases and additional provisions recognised in profit or loss

Disposal arising from change in scope of consolidation

Reclassification to non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale

Currency translation 

Balance as at 31 December

2012 (restated)

2013

– 72.4

6.6

12.3

– 15.4

–

–

0.2

– 68.7

– 68.7

9.3

12.1

– 12.2

–

1.3

– 0.6

– 58.7

184

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

14. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

CHF million

Derivative financial instruments for own account and at own risk

Derivative financial instruments for the account and at the risk of life insurance 
policyholders

334.9

162.6

232.2

178.5

Derivative financial instruments as reported on the balance sheet

497.6

410.7

64.4

–

64.4

68.2

–

68.2

Fair value assets

Fair value liabilities

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

CHF million

Interest-rate instruments

Forward contracts

Swaps

OTC options 

Other

Traded options

Traded futures

Sub-total

Equity instruments

Forward contracts

OTC options 

Traded options

Traded futures

Sub-total

Foreign-currency instruments

Forward contracts

Swaps

OTC options 

Traded options

Traded futures

Sub-total

Total

Of which: designated as fair value hedges

Of which: designated as cash flow hedges

Of which: designated as hedges  
of a net investment in a foreign operation

Contract value

Fair value assets

Fair value liabilities

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

–

1,024.3

1,524.1

0.0

–

–

–

1,156.8

1,201.4

0.0

–

–

–

28.5

265.6

5.1

–

–

–

33.9

119.7

5.4

–

–

–

48.4

–

–

–

–

–

45.5

–

1.0

–

–

2,548.4

2,358.2

299.3

159.0

48.4

46.5

–

361.0

3.3

–

–

1,484.2

640.2

–

364.2

2,124.3

5,591.7

4,933.3

–

–

3,170.9

1,358.3

–

–

–

–

–

7.7

–

–

7.7

27.0

–

1.0

–

–

–

31.9

0.3

–

32.2

40.6

–

0.4

–

–

–

–

3.4

–

3.4

11.2

–

1.4

–

–

8,762.7

6,291.6

28.0

41.0

12.6

11,675.3

10,774.1

334.9

232.2

64.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,117.9

1,037.3

21.5

19.4

–

–

–

–

9.8

9.0

–

18.8

1.5

–

1.3

–

–

2.9

68.2

–

–

0.1

185

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

The contract value or notional amount is used for derivative financial instruments whose principal may be swapped 
at maturity (options, futures and currency swaps) and for instruments whose principal is only nominally lent or 
borrowed (interest-rate swaps). The contract value or notional amount is disclosed in order to express the aggregate 
amount of derivative transactions in which the Baloise Group is involved.

15. RECEIVABLES

CHF million

Receivables carried  
at cost

Receivables from 
financial contracts

Other receivables

Receivables from 
investments

Sub-total

Receivables recognised 
at fair value through 
profit or loss

Receivables from 
financial contracts

Sub-total

Gross amount

Impairment

Carrying amount

Fair value

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

370.5

389.4

273.4

646.8

260.7

614.8

1,290.7

1,264.8

56.1

56.1

–

–

–

– 4.4

– 2.3

– 6.7

–

–

–

370.5

389.4

370.5

389.4

– 3.7

– 2.2

269.0

644.5

257.0

612.5

274.0

644.5

258.2

612.5

– 5.9

1,284.0

1,259.0

1,289.0

1,260.1

–

–

56.1

56.1

–

–

56.1

56.1

–

–

Receivables

1,346.8

1,264.8

– 6.7

– 5.9

1,340.1

1,259.0

1,345.0

1,260.1

IMPAIRMENT OF RECEIVABLES

CHF million

Balance as at 1 January

Usage not recognised in profit or loss

Unused provisions reversed through profit or loss

Increases and additional provisions recognised in profit or loss

Disposal arising from change in scope of consolidation

Reclassification to  non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale

Currency translation

Balance as at 31 December

186

2012 
(restated)

– 6.9

0.4

3.3

– 3.9

0.4

–

0.0

– 6.7

2013

– 6.7

0.2

2.7

– 2.2

–

0.2

0.0

– 5.9

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

16. REINSURANCE ASSETS

CHF million

Reinsurers’ share of technical reserves as at 1 January 

Change in unearned premium reserves

Benefits paid

Interest on and change in liability

Additions / disposals arising from change in scope of consolidation

Impairment

Reclassification to  non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale

Exchange differences

Reinsurers’ share of technical reserves as at 31 December 

17.  RECEIVABLES FROM REINSURERS

CHF million

Reinsurance deposits as at 1 January

Additions

Disposals

Additions / disposals arising from change in scope of consolidation

Reclassification to  non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale

Exchange differences

Reinsurance deposits as at 31 December

Other reinsurance receivables as at 1 January

Additions

Disposals

Additions / disposals arising from change in scope of consolidation

Reclassification to  non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale

Exchange differences

Other reinsurance receivables as at 31 December

Impairment of receivables from reinsurers as at 1 January

Usage not recognised in profit or loss

Unused provisions reversed through profit or loss

Increases and additional provisions recognised in profit or loss

Disposal arising from change in scope of consolidation

Reclassification to  non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale

Currency translation

Impairment of receivables from reinsurers as at 31 December

Receivables from reinsurers as at 31 December

2012 (restated)

2013

377.5

– 6.2

– 73.9

113.0

–

–

–

– 11.9

398.6

398.6

– 7.1

– 72.3

74.6

–

–

– 3.0

5.6

396.4

2012 (restated)

2013

5.3

2.4

– 0.8

–

–

0.1

7.0

12.0

15.6

– 5.2

–

–

0.0

22.5

– 0.4

0.0

0.2

0.0 

–

–

–

7.0

1.1

– 0.4

–

–

0.1

7.8

22.5

1.8

– 10.3

–

–

0.2

14.2

– 0.3

0.0

0.0

0.0

–

–

–

– 0.3

– 0.3

29.3

21.7

187

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

18. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

18.1 Receivables and liabilities arising from employee benefits

Receivables from  
employee benefits 

Liabilities arising from  
employee benefits 

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

CHF million

Type of benefit

Short-term employee benefits 

0.6

0.7

Post-employment benefits – defined contribution plans

Post-employment benefits – defined benefit plans

Other long-term employee benefits

Termination benefits

Total

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

125.2

–

965.5

33.1

11.0

0.6

0.7

1,134.9

132.0

–

813.6

32.6

11.3

989.5

18.2 Post-employment benefits – defined benefit plans
The Baloise Group provides a range of pension benefits, which vary from country to country in line with local 
circumstances. The funded – or partially funded – liabilities relate to the occupational pension provision offered in 
Switzerland and that of the former Avéro Schadeverzekering Benelux NV. 

Switzerland has the largest plans. The employer and employee each contribute to these plans; the contributions 
are used to cover benefits paid in the event of death or invalidity as well as being saved up to fund a pension. The 
employee has the option of receiving all or part of the accumulated capital as a one-off payment. Some of the benefits 
granted in this way are governed by binding statutory regulations that are applicable to all Swiss employers and, in 
particular, stipulate certain minimum benefits. The pensions are the responsibility of separate legal entities (founda-
tions) that are run by a committee consisting of employer and employee representatives.

In other countries, the benefits are either granted by the employer directly or covered by an insurance policy 
that, as a rule, is funded by the employer. Directly granted benefits are particularly relevant in Germany, where  benefits 
are agreed between the employer and the employee representatives.

The pension benefits on offer also comprise special benefits that the Baloise Group grants to retirees  (especially 
those in Switzerland). These benefits include subsidised mortgages. These benefits and concessions are classified as 
defined benefit pension obligations under IAS 19.

188

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

18.2.1 Fair value of plan assets

CHF million

Balance as at 1 January

Interest-rate effect

Return on plan assets (net of interest-rate effect)

Employees’ savings and purchases

Exchange differences

Employer contribution

Employee contribution

Benefits paid

Cash flow between Baloise Group and plan assets  
(excl. benefits paid to employees and employer contribution)

Additions / disposals arising from change in scope of consolidation

Reclassification to  non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale

Gains and losses on plan settlements

Balance as at 31 December

18.2.2 Partially funded liabilities under defined benefit plans

CHF million

Balance as at 1 January

Current service cost

Interest-rate effect

Employees’ savings and purchases

Actuarial gains / losses on defined benefit obligations arising from

changes in financial assumptions

changes in demographic assumptions

experience adjustments

Exchange differences

Unrecognised past service cost

Benefits paid

Additions / disposals arising from change in scope of consolidation

Reclassification to  non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale

Gains and losses on plan settlements

Balance as at 31 December

2012  
(restated)

2013

1,947.1

2,068.6

45.3

91.1

28.1

– 0.1

49.7

23.5

37.3

90.5

25.5

0.2

55.0

29.1

– 116.2

– 123.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,068.6

2,183.0

2012  
(restated)

2013

– 2,060.6

– 2,277.7

– 69.6

– 49.0

– 28.1

– 119.4

– 143.2

12.6

0.1

55.9

116.2

–

–

7.3

– 76.0

– 39.9

– 25.5

88.0

– 5.1

– 47.0

– 0.3

– 0.7

123.1

–

–

–

– 2,277.7

– 2,261.1

189

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

18.2.3 Unfunded liabilities under defined benefit plans

CHF million

Balance as at 1 January

Current service cost

Interest-rate effect

Employees’ savings and purchases

Actuarial gains / losses on defined benefit obligations arising from

changes in financial assumptions

changes in demographic assumptions

experience adjustments

Exchange differences

Unrecognised past service cost

Benefits paid

Additions / disposals arising from change in scope of consolidation

Reclassification to  non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale

Gains and losses on plan settlements

Balance as at 31 December

18.2.4 Net actuarial liabilities under defined benefit plans

CHF million

Fair value of plan assets

Present value of (partially) funded liabilities 

Present value of unfunded liabilities 

Effect of the asset ceiling

Net actuarial liabilities under defined benefit plans

2012  
(restated)

2013

– 587.6

– 756.4

– 12.7

– 27.0

–

– 167.3

– 5.9

5.1

2.9

–

36.0

–

–

–

– 16.3

– 21.5

–

44.3

–

– 5.6

– 11.0

1.2

29.1

0.6

–

–

– 756.4

– 735.6

2012 (restated)

2013

2,068.6

2,183.0

– 2,277.7

– 2,261.1

– 756.4

– 735.6

–

–

– 965.5

– 813.6

190

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

18.2.5 Asset allocation

CHF million

Cash and cash equivalents

Real estate

Equities and investment funds

publicly listed

not publicly listed

Fixed-interest assets

publicly listed

not publicly listed

Mortgages and loans

Derivatives

publicly listed

not publicly listed

Other

Fair value of plan assets

Of which: Bâloise Holding Ltd shares (fair value) and convertible bonds (fair value)

Of which: real estate leased to the Baloise Group

The investment funds are mainly fixed-income funds.

18.2.6 Expenses for defined benefit plans recognised in the income statement

CHF million

Current service cost

Net interest cost

Unrecognised past service cost

Gains and losses on plan settlements

Expected return on reimbursement rights

Regular employee contribution

Total expenses for defined benefit plans recognised in the income statement

2012  
(restated)

94.9

360.5

2013

145.5

377.3

1,179.5

1,216.7

–

–

137.1

–

287.2

–

0.3

9.0

134.7

–

292.6

–

0.3

16.0

2,068.6

2,183.0

22.7

–

25.1

–

2012  
(restated)

– 82.2

– 30.7

55.9

7.3

–

24.1

– 25.6

2013

– 92.2

– 24.1

0.5

–

–

29.8

– 86.0

191

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

18.2.7 Actuarial assumptions

Per cent

Discount rate

Expected wage and salary increases

Expected increase in pension benefits

Weighted pension drawdown rate

Years

Average life expectancy of a 65-year-old woman

Average life expectancy of a 65-year-old man

2012  
(restated)

2.0

1.7

0.4

81.4

23.4

20.7

2013

2.4

1.7

0.4

84.5

23.6

20.7

When calculating liabilities and expenses for defined benefit plans, the Baloise Group is required to make  actuarial 
and other assumptions that are determined on a company-by-company and country-by-country basis. The assump-
tions shown above are weighted averages.

18.2.8 Sensitivity analysis for liabilities under defined benefit plans

Total defined benefit obligation as shown

Discount rate plus 1.0 % age points

Discount rate minus 1.0 % age points

Expected wage and salary increases plus 0.5 % age points

Expected wage and salary increases minus 0.5 % age points

Expected pension benefits increases plus 0.5 % age points

Expected pension benefits increases minus 0.5 % age points

Mortality probabilities for 65-year-olds plus 10.0 % age points

Mortality probabilities for 65-year-olds minus 10.0 % age points

Weighted share of annuity option plus 10.0 % age points

2012  
(restated)

 3,034.1 

2013

 2,996.6 

 – 396.6 

 – 330.4 

 503.2 

 31.6 

 – 34.7 

 157.4 

 – 32.2 

 – 75.3 

 81.8 

 10.2 

 409.7 

 31.1 

 – 31.4 

 150.1 

 – 28.3 

 – 70.7 

 76.9 

 6.4 

The Baloise Group determines the sensitivities of liabilities under defined benefit plans by recalculating them using 
the same models as used for the calculation of the effective value. In this calculation, only one parameter of the base 
scenario is changed. Possible interaction between individual parameters is not taken into consideration. The effect 
resulting from various parameters occurring simultaneously may vary from the sum total of individually determined 
differences. 

The sensitivity is only calculated for the liability. A possible simultaneous impact on plan assets is not  investigated.

192

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

18.2.9 Funding of plan benefits
The plan assets of the Swiss plans are funded jointly by the employer and employee. The amount of individual con-
tributions depends largely on an employee’s remuneration and age. Statutory regulations require employers to 
contribute a minimum of 50 per cent of the total contributions for part of the insured benefits.

18.2.10 Estimated employer contribution
The employer’s contribution for the following year can only be predicted with a limited degree of certainty. The  Baloise 
Group expects to pay employer contributions of approximately CHF 60.6 million for the 2014 financial year.

18.2.11 Maturity profile
The maturity profile of liabilities under pension plans differs depending on whether benefits are prospective or 
current entitlements. For prospective benefit entitlements, the average expected remaining service period is 10.62 
years; the average present value factor for current benefit entitlements under pension commitments is 13.96 years.

18.3 Other long-term employee benefits
Benefits granted to current employees that are payable twelve months or more after the end of the financial year are 
accounted for separately and according to specific rules. The accounting policies applied are similar to those used 
for pension liabilities, except that actuarial gains and losses are recognised in profit or loss. 

Long-service bonuses constitute the principal benefit paid. The present value of liabilities as at 31 December 
2013 totalled CHF 32.6 million (2012: CHF 33.1 million). There were no disposals of plan assets for long-term 
 employee benefits. Benefits paid out amounted to CHF 4.4 million (2012: CHF 4.1 million).

18.4 Share-based payment plans
For some time now, the Baloise Group has offered employees and management team members the chance to  participate 
in various plans under which shares are granted as part of their overall remuneration packages. The Employee 
 Incentive Plan, the Share Subscription Plan and the Employee Share Ownership Plan are all cash-settled remuner-
ation programmes. Performance share units (PSUs) are an equity-settled remuneration programme. In 2013, a sum 
of CHF 20.0 million (2012: CHF 16.6 million) was recognised as an expense in profit or loss in connection with the 
following share-based payment plans.

18.4.1 Employee Incentive Plan 
The Baloise Foundation for Employee Participation set up in 1989 offers members of staff working for various Baloise 
Group companies in Switzerland the opportunity to purchase shares in Bâloise Holding Ltd – usually once a year 
– at a preferential price in compliance with the regulations adopted by the Board of Foundation. This encourages 
employees to maintain their commitment to the Company over the long term by becoming shareholders. The sub-
scription price is fixed by the Board of Foundation at the beginning of the subscription period and is then published 
on the intranet. It equals half of the volume-weighted average share price calculated for the month of August in the 
subscription year and amounts to CHF 50.30 for the reporting year (2012: CHF 34.20). Title to the subscribed shares 
passes to the relevant employees with effect from 1 September each year, and the shares are subject to a three-year 
restriction period. 

The Foundation acquired the underlying stock of shares used in this plan from previous capital increases  carried 
out by Bâloise Holding Ltd. It supplements these shareholdings by purchasing shares in the market. The existing 
shareholdings will enable the Foundation to continue the Employee Incentive Plan over the coming years. The Foun-
dation is run by a Board of Foundation that is predominantly independent of the Corporate Executive Committee. 
The independent Board of Foundation members are Peter Schwager (Chairman) and Professor Heinrich Koller 
(lawyer); the third member of the Board of Foundation is Andreas Burki (Head of Legal & Tax at Baloise). 

193

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE PLAN

Number of shares subscribed

Restricted until

Subscription price per share (CHF)

Value of shares subscribed (CHF million)

Fair value of subscribed shares on subscription date (CHF million)

Employees entitled to participate

Participating employees

Subscribed shares per participant (average)

2012 
(restated)

173,799

2013

167,147

31.8.2015

31.8.2016

34.20

5.9

12.2

3,220

1,894

91.7

50.30

8.4

16.5

3,239

1,851

90.3

18.4.2 Share Subscription Plan 
Since January 2003 those who qualify as eligible persons at Baloise Group companies in Switzerland – and, since 
2008, the members of the Executive Committees at companies outside Switzerland as well – have been able to sub-
scribe for shares at a preferential price as part of their short-term variable remuneration. The subscription date is 1 
March of each year; although title to the shares passes to the relevant employees on this date without any further 
vesting conditions having to be met, the shares cannot be sold during a three-year restriction period. 

The parameters used to determine the subscription price are decided each year by the Remuneration Com-
mittee. The subscription price is based on the closing price on the first day of the subscription period (until 2013: 
volume-weighted average share price during a contemporaneous measurement period), on which a discount of 10 
per cent is granted (please refer to the accompanying table for details). Once it has been calculated using this  method, 
the subscription price is published in advance on the intranet. The shares needed for the Share Subscription Plan 
are purchased in the market as and when required. 

SHARE SUBSCRIPTION PLAN (SSP)

Number of shares subscribed

Restricted until 1

Subscription price per share (CHF)

Value of shares subscribed (CHF million)

Fair value of subscribed shares on subscription date (CHF million)

Employees entitled to participate

Participating employees

SSP portion of variable remuneration

2012 
(restated)

47,555

2013

55,830

28.2.2015

29.2.2016

65.58

73.53

3.1

3.4

744

103

14 %

4.1

4.7

870

115

15 %

1   The period during which shares allocated to the Chairman of the Board of Directors are restricted is five years instead of three. This means that the shares  

are restricted until 28 February 2017 and 28 February 2018 respectively.

194

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

18.4.3 Employee Share Ownership Plan
Since May 2001 it has been possible for most management team members working in Switzerland to receive part of 
their short-term variable remuneration in the form of shares from the Employee Share Ownership Plan instead of 
receiving cash. Within certain limits they are free to choose what proportion of their short-term variable remuner-
ation they receive in the form of such shares. The most senior management team members are subject to upper 
limits; members of the Corporate Executive Committee – who are obliged to receive at least half of their short-term 
variable remuneration in the form of shares – are not allowed to receive more than 50 per cent of their entitlement 
in the form of shares from the Employee Share Ownership Plan. The subscription date is 1 March of each year (i.e. 
the same as that for the Share Subscription Plan); although title to the shares passes to the relevant employees on 
this date without any further vesting conditions having to be met, the shares cannot be sold during a three-year 
restriction period. 

The parameters used to determine the subscription price are decided each year by the Remuneration Com-
mittee. The subscription price is based on the closing price on the first day of the subscription period (until 2013: 
volume-weighted average share price during a contemporaneous measurement period), from which discounted 
dividend rights are deducted over a period of three years (please refer to the accompanying table for details). Once 
it has been calculated using this method, the subscription price is published in advance on the intranet. The shares 
needed for the Employee Share Ownership Plan are purchased in the market as and when required. 

In order to increase the impact of this Employee Share Ownership Plan, employees are granted loans on which 
interest is charged at market rates, which enables them to subscribe for shares whose value constitutes a multiple 
of the capital invested; these shares are purchased at their fair value net of discounted dividend rights over a period 
of three years. Repayment of these loans after the three-year restriction period has elapsed is hedged by put options, 
which are financed by the sale of offsetting call options. After the three-year restriction period has elapsed, the 
relevant options have been exercised and the loans plus accrued interest have been repaid, the employees concerned 
receive the remaining shares to do with as they wish.

EMPLOYEE SHARE OWNERSHIP PLAN (ESOP)

Number of shares subscribed 1

Restricted until

Subscription price per share 2 (CHF)

Value of shares subscribed 2 (CHF million)

Fair value of subscribed shares on subscription date (CHF million)

Employees entitled to participate

Participating employees

ESOP portion of variable remuneration

1   Including shares financed by loans.
2   Net of the discounted dividend right over three years.

2012 
(restated)

218,181

2013

185,409

28.2.2015

29.2.2016

59.84

68.67

13.1

15.8

744

127

9 %

12.7

15.6

870

118

7 %

18.4.4 Performance share units
At the beginning of each vesting period the participating employees are granted rights in the form of PSUs, which 
entitle them to receive a certain number of shares free of charge after the vesting period has elapsed. The Remuner-
ation Committee specifies the grant date and applies its own discretion in deciding which of the most senior man-
agement team members are entitled to participate in the programme. It determines the total number of PSUs 

195

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

available and decides how many are to be awarded to each member of the Corporate Executive Committee. PSUs 
are granted to the other programme participants on the basis of the relevant line manager’s proposal, which must 
be approved by the line manager’s manager. 

The number of shares that can be subscribed after three years – i.e. at the end of the vesting period – depends 
on the performance of Baloise shares relative to a peer group. This comparative performance multiplier can be 
anywhere between 0.5 and 1.5. The peer group comprises the leading European insurance companies contained in 
the STOXX Europe 600 Insurance Index.  

Companies in the STOXX 600 Europe Insurance Index (as at 31 December 2013)

Admiral Group plc

Aegon NV

Ageas

Allianz

Amlin plc

Catlin Group

CNP Assurances

Delta Lloyd

Mapfre SA

Münchener Rück

Old Mutual plc

Direct Line Insurance Group

Prudential plc

St. James’s Place Capital

Storebrand ASA

Swiss Life

Swiss Re

Gjensidige Forsikring

Resolution

Topdanmark A / S

Assicurazioni Generali

Hannover Rück

RSA Insurance Group

Tryg Forsikring

Aviva plc

Axa

Helvetia

ING Groep NV

Sampo OYJ

Scor

Vienna Insurance

Zurich Financial Services

Bâloise Holding

Legal & General Group plc

Standard Life plc

Source: http: / / www.stoxx.com / download / indices / factsheets / stx_supersectors_fs.pdf

One PSU generally confers the right to receive one share. This is the case if Baloise shares perform in line with the 
median of their peer group. In this case the performance multiplier would be 1.0. Participants in the programme 
receive more shares in exchange for their PSUs if Baloise shares outperform their peer group. The multiplier  reaches 
the maximum of 1.5 if the performance of Baloise shares is in the top quartile of companies in the peer group. The 
multiplier amounts to 0.5 if the performance of Baloise shares is in the bottom quartile of companies in the peer 
group. If the performance of Baloise shares is in either of the two middle quartiles, a linear scale is used to calculate 
the performance multiplier. The performance multiplier for the entire vesting period ended is based on the closing 
stock market prices on the final trading day of the respective vesting period. 

Participants in the programme receive the pertinent number of shares once the vesting period has elapsed, 
which means that for the PSUs allocated in 2013 they receive their shares on 1 March 2016. Half of the shares 
granted in this way are then subject to an additional three-year restriction period. 

If an individual’s employment contract is terminated during the vesting period (except in the case of retire-
ment, disability or death), the PSUs expire without the person concerned receiving any replacement or compensa-
tion. In addition, the Remuneration Committee has the powers to claw back some or all of the PSUs allocated to an 
individual or to a group of programme participants if there are specific reasons for doing so. Such specific reasons 
include, for example, serious breaches of internal or external regulations, the taking of inappropriate risks that are 
within an individual’s control, and the type of conduct or behaviour that would increase the risks to Baloise. 

The PSUs allocated in 2011 were converted into shares as at 1 January 2014. The performance of Baloise shares 
at the end of the vesting period on 31 December 2013 ranked 21st out of 33 companies in the relevant peer group 
(STOXX Europe 600 Insurance Index), which meant that it was in the 3rd quartile. The performance multiplier was 
therefore 0.77, and the 68,244 outstanding PSUs were converted into 55,551 shares (share price of CHF 113.60 on 
31 December 2013, market capitalisation of CHF 5.97 million). 

The shares needed to convert the PSUs are purchased in the market as and when required. 

196

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

The value of PSUs is exposed to market risk until the end of the vesting period and may, of course, fluctuate signif-
icantly, as shown in the table below:

PERFORMANCE SHARE UNIT (PSU) PLAN

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

PSUs granted

PSUs converted 

Change in value

Date

Price (CHF) 1

Date

Multiplier

Price (CHF) 1

Value (CHF) 2

01.03.2007

01.01.2008

01.01.2009

01.01.2010

01.01.2011

01.03.2012

01.03.2013

125.80

109.50 

82.40 

86.05 

91.00 

71.20 

84.50 

01.01.2010

01.01.2011

01.01.2012

01.01.2013

01.01.2014

01.03.2015

01.03.2016

1.182

1.24 

0.64 

0.58 

0.77 

4 1.44

4 1.50

86.05 

91.00 

64.40 

78.50 

113.60 

4 113.60

4 113.60

101.71 

112.84 

41.22 

45.53 

87.47 

4 163.58

4 170.40

3

– 19 %

3 %

– 50 %

– 47 %

– 4 %

4 130 %

4 102 %

1   Price = price of Baloise shares at the PSU grant date or conversion date
2   Value = value of one PSU at the conversion date (share price at the conversion date times the multiplier)
3   Change in value = difference between the value at the conversion date and the share price at the grant date
4   Interim measurement as at 31 December 2013

Measurement of the PSUs at their issue date is based on a Monte Carlo simulation, which calculates a present value 
for the payout expected at the end of the vesting period. This measurement incorporates the following parameters:
 → Interest rate of 3 per cent
 → The volatilities of all shares in the peer group and their correlations with each other (measured over a three-

year track record)

 → The expected dividend yields
 → Empirical data on how long eligible programme participants remain with the Company.

PERFORMANCE SHARE UNITS (PSU)

Employees entitled to participate at launch of programme

Number of allocated PSU

Of which: expired without compensation (departures in 2011)

Number of active PSUs as at 31 December 2011

Of which: expired without compensation (departures in 2012)

Number of active PSUs as at 31 December 2012

Of which: expired without compensation (departures in 2013)

Number of active PSUs as at 31 December 2013

Value of allocated PSUs on issue date (CHF million)

PSU expense incurred by the Baloise Group for 2011 (CHF million)

PSU expense incurred by the Baloise Group for 2012 (restated, CHF million)

PSU expense incurred by the Baloise Group for 2013 (CHF million)

Plan 2011 

Plan 2012 

Plan 2013

73

81,739

– 6,937

74,802

– 5,667

69,135

– 891

68,244

6.9

2.4

1.6

1.8

72

69

89,116

72,600

–

–

– 5,132

83,984

– 2,247

81,737

6.4

–

1.5

2.0

–

–

–

–

– 1,859 

70,741 

5.6

–

–

1.2 

197

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

19.  DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

19.1 Deferred income taxes

CHF million

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

Total (net)

Of which: recognised as deferred tax assets

Of which: recognised as deferred tax liabilities

19.2 Deferred tax assets and liabilities

DEFERRED TA X ASSETS

2012 (restated)

CHF million

Technical reserves

Financial assets

Insurance liabilities

Other investments

Insurance receivables

Unrealised losses recognised directly in equity

Tax losses carried forward

Other 1

Total 

2013

CHF million

Technical reserves

Financial assets

Insurance liabilities

Other investments

Insurance receivables

Unrealised losses recognised directly in equity

Tax losses carried forward

Other 1

Total

2012  
(restated)

2013

1,340.5

1,319.2

– 2,146.3

– 2,145.4

– 805.8

32.7

– 838.5

– 826.3

56.0

– 882.3

Carrying  
amount as  
at 1 January

Change 
recognised in 
profit or loss

Change  
recognised  
directly in equity

Carrying  
amount as  
at 31 December

413.0

9.4

412.2

37.4

9.5

15.1

48.1

209.7

1,154.4

– 17.7

47.9

85.9

3.0

– 4.4

–

5.5

– 5.7

114.5

–

–

–

–

–

71.6

–

–

71.6

395.3

57.3

498.1

40.5

5.1

86.7

53.6

204.0

1,340.5

Carrying  
amount as  
at 1 January

Change 
recognised in 
profit or loss

Change  
recognised  
directly in equity

Carrying  
amount as  
at 31 December

395.3

57.3

498.1

40.5

5.1

86.7

53.6

204.0

1,340.5

20.7

– 26.0

16.9

– 1.7

– 3.9

–

– 17.1

49.5

38.4

–

–

–

–

–

– 59.8

–

–

– 59.8

416.0

31.3

515.1

38.7

1.2

26.9

36.5

253.5

1,319.2

1   “Other” essentially comprises deferred taxes on liabilities arising from banking business and financial contracts as well as liabilities arising from employee benefits.

198

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

DEFERRED TA X LIABILITIES

2012 (restated)

CHF million

Deferred acquisition costs

Technical reserves

Unrealised gains / losses recognised directly in equity

Investment property

Depreciable assets

Other intangible assets

Financial assets

Other investments

Insurance receivables

Other 1

Total 

2013

CHF million

Deferred acquisition costs

Technical reserves

Unrealised gains / losses recognised directly in equity

Investment property

Depreciable assets

Other intangible assets

Financial assets

Other investments

Insurance receivables

Other 1

Total 

1   “Other” essentially comprises deferred taxes on investments and provisions.

Carrying  
amount as  
at 1 January

Change 
recognised in 
profit or loss

Change  
recognised  
directly in equity

Carrying  
amount as  
at 31 December

264.1

850.5

64.4

247.0

32.5

21.7

58.2

61.5

7.0

179.7

1,786.7

– 46.6

99.8

–

48.0

– 27.9

– 1.6

– 5.5

14.7

– 3.8

15.3

92.3

–

–

267.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

267.3

217.5

950.3

331.7

295.0

4.5

20.1

52.7

76.1

3.2

195.0

2,146.3

Carrying  
amount as  
at 1 January

Change 
recognised in 
profit or loss

Change  
recognised  
directly in equity

Carrying  
amount as  
at 31 December

217.5

950.3

331.7

295.0

4.5

20.1

52.7

76.1

3.2

195.0

2,146.3

12.6

124.1

–

34.9

– 0.4

– 5.3

2.2

– 29.2

4.0

– 33.7

109.2

–

–

– 110.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 110.0

230.1

1,074.4

221.7

329.9

4.1

14.9

54.9

46.9

7.2

161.4

2,145.4

The Baloise Group reports its deferred taxes on a net basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset against each 
other in cases where the criteria for such offsetting have been met. This is usually the case if the tax jurisdiction, 
the taxable entity and the type of taxation are identical.

The Baloise Group had recognised deferred tax assets on tax loss carryforwards totalling CHF 155.3 million as 
at 31 December 2013 (2012: CHF 211.2 million). Of this total, CHF 0.2 million will expire after one year and CHF 155.1 mil-
lion will expire after five years or more.

No deferred tax assets had been recognised on tax loss carryforwards amounting to CHF 481.8 million as at 
31 December 2013 (2012: CHF 563.6 million) because the relevant offsetting criteria had not been met. Of this total, 
CHF 1.8 million will expire after one year, a further CHF 11.3 million will expire after two to four years and CHF 468.6 
million will expire after five years or more. 

199

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

20. OTHER ASSETS
“Other assets” include the fair value of precious metals amounting to CHF 47.3 million in connection with private 
placement life insurance (2012: CHF 87.1 million). The insurance policyholder bears the price risk attaching to 
these precious metal holdings. 

21. NON-CURRENT ASSETS HELD FOR SALE AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
In the second half of the reporting year, all of the assets and associated liabilities of the Croatian and Serbian 
 companies (Basler osiguranje Zagreb d.d. and Basler osiguranje a.d.o.) were reclassified as held for sale. The  disposal 
of the Croatian and Serbian units was completed on 11 March 2014.

CHF million

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Investment property

Financial assets

Other investments

Receivables

Other assets

Total assets

Technical reserves

Liabilities arising from banking business and financial contracts

Other financial obligations

Other liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

Unrealised losses directly associated with non-current assets  
and disposal groups classified as held for sale

Disposal groups

Non-current assets

31.12.2012 
(restated) 

31.12.2013

31.12.2012 
(restated) 

31.12.2013

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

19.9

9.2

350.0

–

21.9

–

401.0

335.4

0.7

12.2

5.5

353.9

39.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

A total impairment loss of CHF 31.7 million was recognised on the assets in the disposal group as at 31 December 
2013. This amount includes the write-off of goodwill on the Croatian units.

200

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

22. SHARE CAPITAL

Number of 
treasury shares

Number of 
shares in 
circulation

Number of  
shares issued

Share capital 
(CHF million)

Balance as at 1 January 2012 (restated)

Purchase / sale of treasury shares

Capital increases

Share buy-back and cancellation

3,247,273

46,752,727

50,000,000

– 193,527

193,527

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Balance as at 31 December 2012 (restated)

3,053,746

46,946,254

50,000,000

5.0

–

–

–

5.0

Balance as at 1 January 2013

Purchase / sale of treasury shares

Capital increases

Share buy-back and cancellation

Balance as at 31 December 2013

Number of 
treasury shares

Number of 
shares in 
circulation

Number of  
shares issued

Share capital 
(CHF million)

3,053,746

46,946,254

50,000,000

– 24,803

24,803

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3,028,943

46,971,057

50,000,000

5.0

–

–

–

5.0

The share capital of Bâloise Holding totals CHF 5.0 million and is divided into 50,000,000 registered, fully paid-up 
registered shares with a par value of CHF 0.10 each (2012: CHF 0.10). As far as individuals, legal entities, and partner-
ships are concerned, entry in the share register with voting rights is limited to 2 per cent of the registered share 
capital entered in the commercial register. The Baloise Group buys and sells its own shares as part of its ordinary 
investing activities and for employee share ownership programmes.

The Annual General Meeting held on 2 May 2013 voted to pay a gross dividend of CHF 4.50 per share for the 
2012 financial year. This amounted to a total dividend distribution of CHF 225.0 million. Excluding the treasury 
shares held by Bâloise Holding at the time that the dividend was paid, the total distribution effectively amounted to 
CHF 211.8 million.

201

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

23. TECHNICAL RESERVES (GROSS)

CHF million

Unearned premium reserves (gross)

Claims reserve (gross)

Other technical reserves

Technical reserves (non-life)

Actuarial reserves (gross)

Policyholders’ dividends credited and provisions for future policyholders’ dividends (gross)

Technical reserves (life)

Technical reserves (gross)

23.1 Technical reserves (non-life)

2012  
(restated)

612.5

5,478.7

58.0

2013

617.6

5,527.7

97.1

6,149.2

6,242.4

36,863.6

37,721.9

3,579.1

3,471.4

40,442.7

41,193.3

46,591.9

47,435.6

CHF million

Unearned premium reserves

Claims reserve

Provision for claims handling costs

Gross

Reinsurance 
assets

Net

Gross

Reinsurance 
assets

2012  
(restated)

612.5 

4,930.6 

548.1 

– 1.6 

610.8 

–

–

–

–

617.6 

4,964.6 

563.1 

6.1 

–

–

Net

2013

623.7 

–

–

Claims reserve

5,478.7 

– 373.2 

5,105.5 

5,527.7 

– 379.4 

5,148.3 

Other technical reserves

58.0 

– 0.1 

58.0 

97.1 

– 0.1 

97.0 

Total technical reserves (non-life)

6,149.2 

– 374.9 

5,774.3 

6,242.4 

– 373.3 

5,869.0 

202

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

23.1.1 Maturity structure of technical reserves

CHF million

Unearned premium reserves

Up to 1 year

More than 1 year

No determinable residual term

Total unearned premium reserves

Claims reserve

Up to 1 year

More than 1 year

No determinable residual term

Total claims reserve

Gross

Reinsurance 
assets

Net

Gross

Reinsurance 
assets

2012  
(restated)

577.6 

8.2 

25.0 

610.8 

579.5 

8.0 

25.0 

612.5 

– 1.9 

0.2 

–

– 1.6 

581.8 

10.2 

25.5 

617.6 

5.6 

0.5 

–

6.1 

Net

2013

587.4 

10.8 

25.5 

623.7 

955.3 

3,459.9 

1,063.5 

5,478.7 

– 54.2 

– 67.9 

– 251.2 

– 373.2 

901.1 

3,392.0 

812.4 

5,105.5 

949.1 

3,473.9 

1,104.8 

5,527.7 

– 49.9 

– 76.0 

– 253.5 

– 379.4 

899.1 

3,397.9 

851.3 

5,148.3 

All figures relating to maturities are based on best estimates. The line item “No determinable residual term”  mainly 
comprises old-age health insurance reserves and annuity reserve funds.

23.1.2 Unearned premium reserves

CHF million

Balance as at 1 January

Netted premiums

Less: premiums earned during  
the reporting period

Additions arising from acquisition  
of policy portfolios and insurance 
companies

Disposals arising from sale of policy  
portfolios and insurance companies

Reclassification to  non-current  
assets and disposal groups classified  
as held for sale

Exchange differences

Balance as at 31 December

Gross

Reinsurance 
assets

Net

Gross

Reinsurance 
assets

2012  
(restated)

604.7 

– 7.9 

596.8 

612.5 

– 1.6 

3,317.7 

– 151.6 

3,166.1 

3,441.7 

– 141.3 

Net

2013

610.8 

3,300.4 

– 3,307.1 

157.8 

– 3,149.3 

– 3,425.5 

148.3 

– 3,277.1 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 18.7 

0.7 

– 18.0 

– 2.9 

612.5 

0.1 

– 1.6 

– 2.8 

610.8 

7.6 

617.6 

– 0.1 

6.1 

7.6 

623.7 

Apart from the actual unearned premium reserves, this item includes health insurance reserves for old age and 
deferred unearned premiums.

203

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

23.1.3 Other technical reserves

CHF million

Balance as at 1 January

Less: expenditures during  
the reporting period

Additional provisions recognised  
and unused provisions reversed  
through profit or loss

Additions arising from acquisition  
of policy portfolios and insurance 
companies

Disposals arising from sale of policy  
portfolios and insurance companies

Reclassification to  non-current  
assets and disposal groups classified  
as held for sale

Exchange differences

Balance as at 31 December

Gross

Reinsurance 
assets

Net

Gross

Reinsurance 
assets

2012  
(restated)

Net

2013

55.3 

– 19.1 

0.0 

0.4 

55.3 

– 18.8 

58.0 

– 20.1 

– 0.1 

0.3 

58.0 

– 19.8 

21.9 

– 0.4 

21.5 

59.1 

– 0.3 

58.8 

–

–

–

0.0 

58.0 

–

–

–

–

– 0.1 

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.0 

58.0 

0.0 

97.1 

–

–

–

–

– 0.1 

–

–

–

0.0 

97.0 

204

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

23.1.4 Claims reserve (including claims handling costs)

CHF million

Balance as at 1 January (gross) 

Reinsurers’ share

Balance as at 1 January (net) 

Claims incurred (including claims handling costs)

For the reporting period

For previous years

Total

Payments for claims and claims handling costs

For the reporting period

For previous years

Total

Other changes

Additions / disposals arising from changes in scope of consolidation

Reclassification to  non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale

Exchange differences

Total

Balance as at 31 December (net)

Reinsurers’ share

Balance as at 31 December (gross)

2012  
(restated)

5,475.2 

– 335.7 

5,139.6 

2013

5,478.7 

– 373.2 

5,105.5 

2,022.2 

– 98.5 

2,135.1 

– 80.1 

1,923.7 

2,055.0 

– 987.2 

– 954.9 

– 1,008.9 

– 997.2 

– 1,942.2 

– 2,006.1 

–

–

– 15.6 

– 15.6 

–

– 40.2 

34.1 

– 6.1 

5,105.5 

5,148.3 

373.2 

379.4 

5,478.7 

5,527.7 

The Baloise Group pays particular attention to cases of environmental pollution involving landfill sites, refuse, 
asbestos or any other materials harmful to human beings or the environment.

The relevant net reserves included in the total amounted to CHF 88.1 million at the end of 2013 (2012: CHF 96.8 
million). This decrease was attributable to the level of claims paid (including commutation of reserves) and – since 
a large proportion of these reserves are recognised for liabilities denominated in foreign currencies – currency 
 effects.

205

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

23.2 Technical reserves (life)

CHF million

Actuarial reserves from non-unit-linked life insurance contracts 1

Actuarial reserves from unit-linked life insurance contracts

Reserves for final policyholders’ dividends

Unearned revenue reserve

Structure of actuarial reserves (life)

Policyholders’ dividends credited and provisions for future policyholders’ dividends

Total technical reserves (life) 

1   The actuarial reserves include unearned premium reserves and claims reserves.

2012 (restated)

2013

33,991.4 

34,592.4 

2,258.0 

2,521.0 

311.6 

302.6 

270.2 

338.3 

36,863.6 

37,721.9 

3,579.1 

3,471.4 

40,442.7 

41,193.3 

206

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

23.2.1 Maturity structure of technical reserves

CHF million

Actuarial reserves from non-unit-linked life insurance contracts

Up to 1 year

1 to 5 years

5 to 10 years

More than 10 years

No determinable residual term

Business from Swiss occupational pension plans 1

2012 (restated)

2013

1,111.2 

4,020.6 

4,000.4 

7,389.0 

8,274.3 

9,195.9 

1,163.0 

3,967.2 

3,793.5 

7,275.7 

8,566.7 

9,826.4 

Total actuarial reserves from non-unit-linked life insurance contracts

33,991.4 

34,592.4 

Actuarial reserves from unit-linked life insurance contracts

Up to 1 year

1 to 5 years

5 to 10 years

More than 10 years

No determinable residual term

Total actuarial reserves from unit-linked life insurance contracts

Policyholders’ dividends credited

Up to 1 year

1 to 5 years

5 to 10 years

More than 10 years

No determinable residual term

Total policyholders’ dividends credited

Provisions for future policyholders’ dividends

Up to 1 year

No determinable residual term

Total provisions for future policyholders’ dividends

84.9 

240.8 

323.2 

417.6 

1,191.5 

2,258.0 

109.2 

376.9 

397.1 

576.7 

280.4 

109.0 

240.5 

328.3 

460.5 

1,382.7 

2,521.0 

111.9 

374.6 

358.5 

532.7 

281.2 

1,740.3 

1,658.9 

172.0 

1,666.8 

1,838.7 

166.6 

1,645.8 

1,812.5 

1   The Swiss pensions business is disclosed separately owing to its specific features. It comprises group contracts which may be cancelled annually by either party, 

whereas the coverage period for the individuals enrolled is significantly longer.

All figures relating to maturities are based on the residual terms of contracts. The line item “No determinable 
residual term” mainly comprises deferred and current annuities.

207

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

23.2.2 Actuarial reserves from non-unit-linked life insurance contracts

CHF million

Balance as at 1 January

Change in actuarial reserves

Additions arising from acquisition of policy portfolios and insurance companies

Disposals arising from sale of policy portfolios and insurance companies

Reclassification to  non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale

Exchange differences

Balance as at 31 December

2012  
(restated)

2013

33,661.1 

33,991.4 

399.0 

693.6 

–

–

–

– 68.7 

–

–

– 276.4 

183.7 

33,991.4 

34,592.4 

The actuarial reserves include unearned premium reserves and claims reserves. 
The actuarial reserves for DPF business as at 31 December 2013 amounted to CHF 34,322.0 million (31 December 2012: CHF 33,733.7 million),  
while for non-DPF business they totalled CHF 270.4 million (31 December 2012: CHF 257.8 million). 
The actuarial reserves for assumed business (inward reinsurance) as at 31 December 2013 came to CHF 6.8 million (31 December 2012: CHF 5.9 million).

23.2.3 Actuarial reserves from unit-linked life insurance contracts

CHF million

Balance as at 1 January

Additions

Disposals

Fees

Interest on and change in liabilities 

Additions arising from acquisition of policy portfolios and insurance companies

Disposals arising from sale of policy portfolios and insurance companies

Reclassification to  non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale

Exchange differences

Balance as at 31 December

2012  
(restated)

2,009.9 

297.4 

– 197.7 

– 14.5 

171.8 

–

–

–

– 8.8 

2013

2,258.0 

265.9 

– 219.7 

– 4.4 

196.1 

–

–

0.0 

25.1 

2,258.0 

2,521.0 

208

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

23.2.4 Reserve for final policyholders’ dividends

CHF million

Balance as at 1 January

Adjustment arising from unrealised gains and losses as at 1 January (shadow accounting)

Interest on and change in liability

Final policyholders’ dividends paid

Additions arising from acquisition of policy portfolios and insurance companies

Disposals arising from sale of policy portfolios and insurance companies

Reclassification to  non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale

Adjustment arising from unrealised gains and losses as at 31 December (shadow accounting)

Exchange differences

Balance as at 31 December

2012  
(restated)

356.9 

– 6.4 

– 25.4 

– 23.7 

–

–

–

11.9 

– 1.7 

311.6 

Final policyholders’ dividends, which are only paid upon contract expiry, are funded and accrued over the duration of the policy in proportion to the profits  
attributable to the contract. 

23.2.5 Unearned revenue reserve

CHF million

Balance as at 1 January

Reserved during the reporting period

Change in balance

Change due to unrealised gains and losses on investments (shadow accounting)

Additions arising from acquisition of policy portfolios and insurance companies

Disposals arising from sale of policy portfolios and insurance companies

Reclassification to  non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale

Exchange differences

Balance as at 31 December

2013

311.6 

– 11.9 

– 21.3 

– 21.3 

–

–

– 0.4 

9.5 

3.9 

270.2 

2013

302.6 

30.6 

0.9 

0.0 

–

–

–

2012  
(restated)

276.9 

29.7 

– 2.3 

– 0.3 

–

–

–

– 1.6 

302.6 

4.2 

338.3 

209

 
Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

23.2.6 Policyholders’ dividends credited and reserves for future policyholders’ dividends

CHF million

Policyholders’ dividends credited as at 1 January

Dividends credited to policyholders during the reporting period

Policyholders’ dividends paid

Additions arising from acquisition of policy portfolios and insurance companies

Disposals arising from sale of policy portfolios and insurance companies

Reclassification to  non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale

Exchange differences

Balance as at 31 December

Provisions for future policyholders’ dividends as at 1 January

Adjustment arising from unrealised gains and losses as at 1 January

Additions

Withdrawals

Change in measurement differences between IFRS and national accounting standards recognised  
in profit or loss

2012  
(restated)

2013

1,836.3 

1,740.3 

97.5 

87.0 

– 185.5 

– 188.0 

–

–

–

– 8.0 

–

–

– 0.6 

20.1 

1,740.3 

1,658.9 

1,266.0 

– 234.8 

268.4 

– 189.2 

48.9 

1,838.7 

– 683.0 

204.6 

– 214.3 

205.2 

Adjustment arising from unrealised gains and losses as at 31 December (shadow accounting)

683.0 

452.9 

Additions arising from acquisition of policy portfolios and insurance companies

Disposals arising from sale of policy portfolios and insurance companies

Exchange differences

Balance as at 31 December

Policyholders’ dividends credited and provisions for future policyholders’ dividends 
as at 31 December

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 3.4 

8.4 

1,838.7 

1,812.5 

3,579.1 

3,471.4 

210

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

24. LIABILITIES ARISING FROM BANKING BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL CONTRACTS

CHF million

With discretionary participation features (DPFs)

Financial contracts with discretionary participation features (DPFs) 1

Sub-total

Measured at amortised cost

Liabilities to banks

Repurchase agreements

Liabilities arising from time deposits

Loans

Mortgages

Savings and customer deposits

Medium-term bonds

Mortgage-backed bonds

Bonds

Liability for future financial lease payments (present value)

Other financial contracts

Sub-total

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss (designated)

Other financial contracts

Sub-total

Carrying amount

Fair value

2012 (restated)

2013

2012 (restated)

2013

1,334.0

1,334.0

1,492.7

1,492.7

–

–

–

–

162.3

400.0

26.8

70.9

–

4,997.9

388.2

994.2

99.5

105.7

45.1

156.9

300.0

19.9

0.0

–

5,172.7

298.4

1,078.9

99.7

97.3

34.6

162.8

400.0

27.0

70.9

–

4,659.0

402.0

1,052.4

108.8

105.7

45.1

156.9

300.0

20.0

0.0

–

5,161.4

306.5

1,105.1

105.8

97.3

34.6

7,290.5

7,258.4

7,033.9

7,287.7

7,215.1

7,215.1

7,791.1

7,791.1

7,215.1

7,215.1

7,791.1

7,791.1

Total liabilities arising from banking business and financial contracts

15,839.6

16,542.1

–

–

1   There are currently no internationally accepted mathematical methods available for determining the fair value of financial contracts with discretionary participation 

features (DPFs).

Savings deposits and customer deposits essentially consist of savings accounts, business accounts and deposit 
 accounts held by Swiss banking clients. The mortgage-backed bonds reported have all been issued by Pfandbriefbank 
schweizerischer Hypothekarinstitute AG.

The other financial contracts designated as at fair value through profit or loss largely relate to the life insurance 
liability arising from investment-linked life insurance contracts involving little or no transfer of risk. The year-on-
year change in this liability consists entirely of the funds flowing into and out of the pertinent investment portfolio, 
the latter’s market-related price fluctuations and exchange-rate movements.

211

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

TERMS & CONDITIONS GOVERNING BONDS OUTSTANDING

Issuer

Type of bond

Face value (CHF million)

Interest rate

Early redemption date

Repayment

Conversion right

Issued

Repayment

ISIN

Baloise Bank SoBa

Senior bond

100

3.000 %

–

100 %

no

2007

12.6.2015

CH0030870445

25. RECONCILIATION BETWEEN THE GROSS INVESTMENT IN FINANCIAL LEASES AND THE PRESENT VALUE  

OF MINIMUM LEASE PAYMENTS

CHF million

Lease term < 1 year

Lease term 1 to 5 years

Lease term > 5 years

Total minimum lease payments

Future borrowing costs

Total liability for future financial lease payments (present value)

2012 (restated)

2013

0.0

29.3

77.6

106.9

– 1.2

105.7

0.0

97.7

–

97.7

– 0.4

97.3

212

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

26. FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

SENIOR DEBT

CHF million

Balance as at 1 January

Issue price of newly issued bonds 

Embedded derivative

Additions (sub-total)

Disposals / repayments

Interest expenses

Nominal interest rate

Interest costs (sub-total)

Balance as at 31 December

2012  
(restated)

1,612.6

549.0

–

549.0

– 150.0

61.0

– 55.1

6.0

2013

2,017.6

224.5

–

224.5

– 550.0

50.1

– 44.6

5.5

2,017.6

1,697.6

Bâloise Holding Ltd issued a new bond totalling CHF 225 million (1.75 per cent, 2013 to 2023, ISIN CH0200044821) 
at an issue price of 100.812 per cent on 26 April 2013. A bond amounting to CHF 550 million (4.250 per cent) was 
repaid on 29 April 2013. No other new bonds were placed nor were any further bonds repaid during the reporting 
period.

The fair value of financial liabilities at the balance sheet date totalled CHF 1,804.4 million (2012: CHF 2,139.2 

million).

TERMS & CONDITIONS GOVERNING SENIOR DEBT 
OUTSTANDING

Issuer

Bâloise Holding

Bâloise Holding

Bâloise Holding

Bâloise Holding

Bâloise Holding

Bâloise Holding

Bâloise Holding

Bâloise Holding

Type of bond

Senior bond

Convertible  
bond

Senior bond

Senior bond

Senior bond

Senior bond

Senior bond

Senior bond

Face value  
(CHF million)

Interest rate

Early redemption date

Repayment

Issued

Repayment

ISIN

150

242.5

300

250

175

225

150

225

3.500 %

1.500 %

2.875 %

3.000 %

2.250 %

1.000 %

2.000 %

1.750 %

–

 on or after 
8.12.2014 

–

–

–

–

–

–

100 %

2007

100 %

2009

100 %

2010

100 %

2011

100 %

2012

100 %

2012

100 %

2012

100 %

2013

19.12.2014

17.11.2016

14.10.2020

07.07.2021

01.03.2019

12.10.2017

12.10.2022

26.4.2023

CH0035539334

CH0107130822

CH0117683794

CH0131804616

CH0148295014

CH0188295536

CH0194695083

CH0200044821

213

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

27.  PROVISIONS

CHF million

Balance as at 1 January 

Addition arising from change  
in scope of consolidation

Disposal arising from change  
in scope of consolidation

Reclassification to  non-current  
assets and disposal groups classified  
as held for sale

Increases and additional provisions 
recognised in profit or loss

Unused provisions reversed  
through profit or loss

Usage not recognised in profit or loss

Unwinding of discount

Exchange differences

Balance as at 31 December

Total

2013

92.4 

–

0.0 

Restructuring

Other

Total

Restructuring

Other

2012  
(restated)

10.9 

71.0 

81.8 

10.7 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

81.7 

–

0.0 

– 2.8 

– 2.8 

1.6 

29.6 

31.1 

15.2 

53.7 

69.0 

– 0.1

– 3.7 

– 3.8 

0.0 

– 6.5 

– 6.6 

– 1.6

–

– 0.1 

10.7 

– 15.0 

– 16.5 

–

– 0.2 

81.7 

–

– 0.3 

92.4 

– 3.3 

–

0.1 

22.7 

– 20.0 

– 23.3 

–

0.6 

–

0.7 

106.7 

129.4 

The balance shown for other provisions includes the usual amounts for legal advice and litigation risks. The recog-
nition of restructuring provisions in profit or loss largely relates to the merger of German entities.

28. INSURANCE LIABILITIES

CHF million

Liabilities to policyholders

Liabilities to brokers and agents

Liabilities to insurance companies

Other insurance liabilities

Total insurance liabilities

214

2012  
(restated)

2013

1,146.3

1,350.0

123.9

588.5

22.9

122.5

619.9

25.5

1,881.6

2,118.0

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

Notes to the consolidated income statement

29. PREMIUMS EARNED AND POLICY FEES

CHF million

Gross premiums written and policy fees

Change in unearned premium reserves

Premiums earned and policy fees (gross)

Reinsurance premiums ceded

Reinsurers’ share of change  
in unearned premium reserves

Total premiums earned  
and policy fees (net)

Non-life

Life

Total

Non-life

Life

3,317.7

– 10.6

3,307.1

– 151.6

– 6.2

3,424.0

–

3,424.0

– 18.7

–

2012  
(restated)

6,741.7

– 10.6

6,731.1

– 170.3

– 6.2

3,441.7

– 16.2

3,425.5

– 141.3

– 7.1

3,787.2

–

3,787.2

– 19.5

–

Total

2013

7,228.9

– 16.2

7,212.7

– 160.8

– 7.1

3,149.3

3,405.3

6,554.6

3,277.1

3,767.7

7,044.8

30. INCOME FROM INVESTMENTS FOR OWN ACCOUNT AND AT OWN RISK

CHF million

Investment property

Financial assets of an equity nature

Available for sale

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Financial assets of a debt nature

Held to maturity

Available for sale

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Mortgages and loans

Carried at cost

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss

Cash and cash equivalents

2012  
(restated)

2013

245.1

253.3

90.4

0.1

252.7

637.0

5.3

531.8

16.5

3.3

97.2

0.2

247.9

639.2

4.1

501.2

20.4

1.6

Total investment income for own account and at own risk

1,782.2

1,765.1

Income from investment property consists mainly of rental income. Income from financial instruments with char-
acteristics of equity primarily comprises dividend income, while income from financial instruments with charac-
teristics of liabilities essentially contains interest income and net income from the recognition and reversal of 
 impairment losses owing to application of the effective interest method. Income from mortgages and loans and from 
cash and cash equivalents is mainly derived from the interest paid on these assets. 

Interest income of CHF 4.2 million had been recognised on impaired investments at the balance sheet date 

(2012: CHF 5.2 million).

215

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

31. REALISED GAINS AND LOSSES ON INVESTMENTS

REALISED GAINS AND LOSSES ON INVESTMENTS AS RECOGNISED IN THE INCOME STATEMENT

CHF million

Realised gains and losses on investments for own account and at own risk

Realised gains and losses on investments for the account and at the risk of life insurance policyholders

Realised gains and losses on investments as recognised in the income statement

2012  
(restated)

224.4

628.5

852.9

2013

210.7

459.6

670.3

216

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

31.1 Realised gains and losses on investments in 2012 for own account and at own risk

2012 (restated)

CHF million

Realised gains on sales and book profits

Investment property

Held to maturity 1

Available for sale

Recognised at fair value  
through profit or loss

Carried at cost

Sub-total

Realised losses on sales and book losses

Investment property

Held to maturity 1

Available for sale

Recognised at fair value  
through profit or loss

Carried at cost

Sub-total

Impairment losses recognised  
in profit or loss

Held to maturity

Available for sale

Carried at cost

Reversal of impairment losses  
recognised in profit or loss

Held to maturity

Available for sale

Carried at cost

Sub-total

Total realised gains and losses  
on investments

Investment 
property

Financial  
assets of an 
equity nature

Financial 
assets of a  
debt nature

Mortgages  
and loans

Derivative  
financial  
instruments

247.8

–

–

–

–

247.8

– 111.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

246.1

4.3

–

250.4

–

–

– 119.1

– 1.1

–

1.3

113.8

12.6

–

127.8

–

– 39.7

– 78.9

– 1.0

–

–

– 111.7

– 120.2

– 119.6

–

–

–

6.4

1.0

7.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

148.2

–

148.2

–

–

–

– 1.2

– 129.8

– 3.3

– 4.5

–

– 129.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 65.9

–

– 2.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 65.9

– 2.4

–

–

– 15.4

–

–

12.3

– 3.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total

247.8

1.3

359.9

171.5

1.0

781.6

– 111.7

– 39.7

– 198.0

– 133.1

– 3.3

– 485.8

–

– 68.3

– 15.4

–

–

12.3

– 71.3

136.1

64.3

5.8

– 0.2

18.4

224.4

1   Currency effects relating to held-to-maturity financial assets of a debt nature are reported as realised book profits and / or realised book losses.

217

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

31.2 Realised gains and losses on investments in 2013 for own account and at own risk

2013

CHF million

Realised gains on sales and book profits

Investment property

Held to maturity 1

Available for sale

Recognised at fair value  
through profit or loss

Carried at cost

Sub-total

Realised losses on sales and book losses

Investment property

Held to maturity 1

Available for sale

Recognised at fair value  
through profit or loss

Carried at cost

Sub-total

Impairment losses recognised  
in profit or loss

Held to maturity

Available for sale

Carried at cost

Reversal of impairment losses  
recognised in profit or loss

Held to maturity

Available for sale

Carried at cost

Sub-total

Total realised gains and losses  
on investments

Investment 
property

Financial  
assets of an  
equity nature

Financial  
assets of a  
debt nature

Mortgages  
and loans

Derivative  
financial  
instruments

221.3

–

–

–

–

221.3

– 94.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

171.9

9.5

–

181.4

–

–

– 61.8

– 6.0

–

29.9

188.6

3.7

–

222.2

–

– 1.4

– 27.4

– 2.0

–

–

– 94.2

– 67.8

– 30.8

Total

221.3

29.9

360.5

136.3

38.7

786.7

– 94.2

– 1.4

– 89.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.1

123.0

38.7

38.8

–

123.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 7.3

– 338.4

– 353.6

– 5.3

– 12.5

–

– 338.4

– 5.3

– 543.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 32.7

–

–

–

–

– 32.7

– 0.3

– 0.5

–

–

1.4

–

0.5

–

–

– 12.2

–

–

12.1

– 0.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 0.3

– 33.2

– 12.2

–

1.4

12.1

– 32.3

127.0

80.9

192.0

26.2

– 215.4

210.7

1   Currency effects relating to held-to-maturity financial assets of a debt nature are reported as realised book profits and / or realised book losses.

218

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

31.3 Impairment losses on financial assets recognised in profit or loss

CHF million

Impairment losses on financial assets of an equity nature recognised in profit or loss

Equities

Equity funds

Mixed funds

Bond funds

Real-estate funds

Private equity

Hedge funds

Sub-total

Impairment losses on financial assets of a debt nature recognised in profit or loss

Public corporations

Industrial enterprises

Financial institutions

Other

Sub-total

Impairment losses on mortgages and loans recognised in profit or loss

Mortgages

Policy loans

Promissory notes and registered bonds

Time deposits

Reverse repurchase agreements

Other loans

Sub-total

2012  
(restated)

2013

– 52.2 

0.0 

– 0.5 

–

– 2.7 

– 2.6 

– 7.9 

– 12.5 

– 1.0 

–

–

– 6.6 

– 8.0 

– 4.6 

– 65.9 

– 32.7 

–

–

– 2.4 

–

– 2.4 

–

– 0.3 

– 0.5 

–

– 0.9 

– 11.0 

– 11.2 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 4.3 

– 15.4 

– 1.0 

– 12.2 

Total impairment losses on financial assets recognised in profit or loss

– 83.7 

– 45.7 

31.4 Currency gains and losses
Excluding exchange-rate losses on transactions involving financial instruments that are recognised at fair value 
through profit or loss, a currency profit of CHF 26.5 million was reported for 2013 (2012: loss of CHF 78.6 million). 
A gross currency gain of CHF 67.4 million was recognised directly in equity for the reporting year (2012: gain 
of CHF 19.7 million). Allowing for hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation (hedge accounting), a net gain 
of CHF 69.8 million was recognised for 2013 (2012: net gain of CHF 21.6 million).

219

 
Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

32. INCOME FROM SERVICES RENDERED 

CHF million

Asset management

Services

Banking services

Investment management

Income from services rendered

33. OTHER OPERATING INCOME

CHF million

Interest income from insurance and reinsurance receivables

Other interest income

Gains on the sale of

property, plant and equipment

intangible assets

Currency gains

Other income

Other operating income

34. CLASSIFICATION OF EXPENSES

CHF million

Personnel expenses (excluding loss adjustment expenses)

Marketing and advertising

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment of

property, plant and equipment

intangible assets

IT and other equipment

Expenses for software development 

Expenses for rent, maintenance and repairs

Currency losses 

Expenses for operating leases

Commission and selling expenses

Fees and commission for financial assets and liabilities not recognised at fair value 

Fees and commission expenses for assets managed for third parties

Expenses arising from non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale

2012  
(restated)

27.7

42.6

45.1

9.6

2013

30.6

34.2

43.6

10.6

125.0

119.0

2012  
(restated)

12.0

2.9

0.5

–

3.2

73.5

92.0

2012  
(restated)

– 775.0

– 34.0

– 53.7

– 55.9

– 57.6

–

– 56.5

– 3.0

– 3.3

– 552.7

– 25.3

– 3.2

–

2013

12.3

2.8

1.2

–

4.4

87.2

107.9

2013

– 843.0

– 40.0

– 39.3

– 60.5

– 61.6

–

– 55.2

– 14.1

– 3.8

– 557.3

– 25.6

– 3.3

– 31.7

Other

Total

– 353.2

– 213.9

– 1,973.2

– 1,949.4

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

35. PERSONNEL EXPENSES
Total personnel expenses for 2013 came to CHF 955.9 million (2012: CHF 903.5 million).

36. GAINS OR LOSSES ON FINANCIAL CONTRACTS

CHF million

With discretionary participation features (DPFs)

Financial contracts with discretionary participation features (DPFs)

Sub-total

Measured at amortised cost

Interest on loans

Interest due

Interest arising from banking business

Interest expenses on repurchase agreements

Acquisition costs in banking business

Interest expenses on bonds

Expenses arising from financial contracts

Sub-total

Recognised at fair value through profit or loss (designated)

Change in fair value of other financial contracts

Sub-total

Total gains or losses on financial contracts

Of which: gains on interest rate hedging instruments

Interest rate swaps: cash flow hedges, balance carried forward from cash flow hedge reserves

Interest rate swaps: fair value hedges

Total gains on interest rate hedging instruments

2012  
(restated)

2013

– 47.5

– 47.5

– 0.4

– 24.0

– 46.3

0.0

– 7.4

– 3.2

– 16.8

– 98.2

– 42.7

– 42.7

– 0.4

– 9.8

– 39.6

0.0

– 5.7

– 3.2

– 17.7

– 76.5

– 432.2

– 432.2

– 249.7

– 249.7

– 577.8

– 368.9

–

–

–

–

–

–

221

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

37.  INCOME TA XES

37.1 Current and deferred income taxes

CHF million

Current income taxes

Deferred income taxes

Total current and deferred income taxes

2012  
(restated)

– 65.0

– 6.6

– 71.6

2013

– 82.2

– 70.5

– 152.7

37.2 Expected and current income taxes
The expected average tax rate for the Baloise Group was 25.3 per cent in 2012 (restated) and 26.8 per cent in 2013. 
These rates correspond to the weighted average tax rates in those countries where the Baloise Group operates. 

CHF million

Profit before taxes

Expected average tax rate (per cent)

Expected income taxes

Increase / reduction owing to

tax-exempt profits and losses

non-deductible expenses

withholding taxes on dividends

change in tax rates

tax items related to other reporting periods 

non-taxable measurement differences

other impacts 1

Current income taxes

2012  
(restated)

556.8

25.3 %

– 141.0

16.1

– 9.9

– 1.7

10.1

20.0

19.9

14.8

2013

608.1

26.8 %

– 162.8

2.5

– 13.1

– 2.4

– 0.4

7.0

9.5

6.9

– 71.6

– 152.7

1   Other impacts’ essentially comprise the offsetting of profits against loss carryforwards for which no deferred tax assets were recognised, the non-capitalisation of 
losses from the reporting period and the recognition of losses carried forward from previous years. This item also includes the differences between the Baloise 
Group’s tax rate and the tax rates applied to each individual company (and, in the reporting year, the effect arising from the application of IFRS 5 [Non-current Assets 
Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations]).

222

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

38. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Profit for the period attributable to shareholders (CHF million)

Average number of shares outstanding 

Basic earnings per share (CHF)

Profit for the period attributable to shareholders (CHF million)

Adjustment of interest expenses on convertible bonds, including tax effects (CHF million)

Adjusted profit for the period attributable to shareholders (CHF million)

Average number of shares outstanding 

Adjustment due to theoretical conversion of convertible bond

Adjustment due to theoretical exercise of share-based payment plans

Adjustment due to theoretical exercise of put options

Adjusted average number of shares outstanding

Diluted earnings per share (CHF)

2012  
(restated)

479.5

2013

452.6

46,831,998

46,896,926

10.24

9.65

2012  
(restated)

479.5

7.6

487.1

2013

452.6

7.7

460.3

46,831,998

46,896,926

2,000,000

2,000,000

74,899

4,803

183,086

–

48,911,700

49,080,012

9.96

9.38

The dilution of earnings in 2012 was attributable to the Performance Share Units (PSU) share-based payment plan, 
the short-put options issued as part of the Employee Share Ownership Plan (both of which are described in section 
18.4), and the convertible bond issued by Bâloise Holding.

The dilution of earnings in 2013 was attributable to the Performance Share Units (PSU) share-based payment 

plan and the convertible bond issued by Bâloise Holding.

223

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

39. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

39.1 Other comprehensive income

CHF million

Items to be reclassified to retained earnings

Reserves arising from reclassification of investment property:

Gains and losses arising during the reporting period

Reclassification adjustments for gains (losses) included in retained earnings

Total reserves arising from reclassification of investment property:

 Reserves arising from assets and liabilities of defined benefit plans:

Change in reserves arising from assets and liabilities of post-employment benefits  
(defined benefit plans)

2012  
(restated)

2013

–

–

–

0.6

–

0.6

– 327.2

162.4

Total reserves arising from assets and liabilities of defined benefit plans

– 327.2

162.4

Shadow accounting:

Change arising from shadow accounting

Total shadow accounting

Income taxes

Total items to be reclassified to retained earnings

84.1

84.1

59.7

– 183.4

– 18.4

– 18.4

– 33.2

111.5

224

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

Continued

CHF million

Items to be reclassified to the income statement

Available-for-sale financial assets:

Gains and losses arising during the reporting period

Gains and losses reclassified to the income statement

Total available-for-sale financial assets 

Unrealised gains and losses of associates:

Gains and losses arising during the reporting period

Total unrealised gains and losses of associates

Hedging reserves for derivative financial instruments held as cash flow hedges:

Gains and losses arising during the reporting period

Gains and losses reclassified to the income statement

Total hedging reserves for derivative financial instruments held as cash flow hedges

Hedging reserves for derivative financial instruments held as hedges of a net investment  
in a foreign operation:

Gains and losses arising during the reporting period

Gains and losses reclassified to the income statement

Total hedging reserves for derivative financial instruments held as hedges of a net investment  
in a foreign operation

Reserves arising from reclassification of held-to-maturity financial assets:

Gains and losses arising during the reporting period

Gains and losses reclassified to the income statement

Total reserves arising from reclassification of held-to-maturity financial assets:

Shadow accounting:

Gains and losses arising during the reporting period

Total shadow accounting

Exchange differences:

Gains and losses arising during the reporting period

Total exchange differences

Income taxes

Total items to be reclassified to the income statement

Total other comprehensive income

2012  
(restated)

2013

1,699.4

– 134.8

1,564.6

– 301.6

– 230.1

– 531.7

6.1

6.1

–

–

–

29.9

– 27.8

2.1

– 0.1

– 4.9

– 4.9

– 600.3

– 600.3

19.6

19.6

3.2

3.2

–

–

–

35.7

– 33.4

2.4

0.1

– 2.8

– 2.7

267.2

267.2

68.1

68.1

– 255.4

731.7

82.2

– 111.3

548.3

0.1

225

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

39.2 Income taxes on other comprehensive income

Amount 
before taxes

Tax expense /  
tax income

Amount net  
of taxes

Amount  
before taxes

Tax expense /  
tax income

Amount net  
of taxes

2012  
(restated)

2013

–

0.0

0.0

0.6

0.0

0.6

– 327.2

86.6

– 240.6

162.4

– 39.1

123.3

84.1

– 243.2

– 26.8

59.7

57.3

– 183.4

– 18.4

144.6

5.9

– 33.2

– 12.5

111.5

CHF million

Items to be reclassified  
to retained earnings

Reserves arising from reclassification  
of investment property

Reserves arising from assets and 
liabilities of defined benefit plans

Shadow accounting

Total items to be reclassified  
to retained earnings

Items to be reclassified  
to the income statement

Available-for-sale financial assets 

1,564.6

– 414.8

1,149.8

– 531.7

Unrealised gains and losses  
of associates

Hedging reserves for derivative financial 
instruments held as cash flow hedges 

Hedging reserves for derivative financial 
instruments held as hedges of a net 
investment in a foreign operation

Reserves arising from reclassification  
of held-to-maturity financial assets 

Shadow accounting

Exchange differences

Total items to be reclassified  
to the income statement

6.1

–

2.1

– 1.8

–

– 0.2

4.3

–

1.9

3.2

–

2.4

148.3

1.4

–

– 0.6

– 383.4

4.6

–

1.8

– 4.9

1.3

– 3.6

– 2.7

0.8

– 1.9

– 600.3

160.1

– 440.2

19.6

987.2

–

– 255.4

19.6

731.7

267.2

68.1

– 193.5

– 67.6

–

82.2

199.6

68.1

– 111.3

Total 

744.0

– 195.7

548.3

– 48.9

49.1

0.1

226

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

Other disclosures

40. ACQUISITION AND DISPOSAL OF COMPANIES

CHF million

Investments

Other assets

Receivables and assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Actuarial liabilities

Other accounts payable

Non-controlling interests 

Net assets acquired / disposed of

Funds used / received for acquisitions and disposals

Cash and cash equivalents

Offsetting

Transfer of assets

Directly attributable costs

Equity instruments issued

Reclassification of investments in associates 

Acquisition / disposal price

Net assets acquired / disposed of

Goodwill / negative goodwill or proceeds from disposals

Cash and cash equivalents used / received for acquisitions and 
disposals

Cash and cash equivalents acquired / disposed of

Outflow / inflow of cash and cash equivalents

Cumulative  
acquisitions

Cumulative  
disposals

2012  
(restated)

6.9

–

–

–

–

– 5.2

–

1.7

2013

13.0

0.3

0.0

0.0

– 10.2

– 0.8

–

2.3

2012  
(restated)

–

1.3

0.6

0.3

–

– 1.3

–

0.9

2013

1.7

0.5

69.6

1.0

– 65.9

– 3.7

–

3.2

1.7

2.9

0.4

3.4

–

–

–

–

–

1.7

– 1.7

0.0

– 1.7

–

– 1.7

–

–

–

–

–

2.9

– 2.3

0.6

– 2.9

0.0

– 2.9

–

–

–

–

–

0.4

– 0.9

– 0.5

0.4

– 0.3

0.1

–

–

–

–

–

3.4

– 3.1

0.4

3.4

– 1.0

2.4

The Baloise Group acquired two property companies in Austria during 2012.

The cumulative disposals for 2012 included the sale of Poliklinika Osiguranje Zagreb in Croatia and the 

 disposal of PiL Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH.

The company FIPOP S.A. was acquired in Luxembourg during the second half of 2013.
Belgian company AXIS Life was sold in the first half of 2013. Also in Belgium, the companies Esplan NV and 
Hermes Verzekeringsgroep NV were disposed of in the second half of the year. In Germany, the firm Partner in 
Life S.A. was sold in the first half of 2013. 

227

 
Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

41. RELATED PART Y TRANSACTIONS
As part of its ordinary operating activities the Baloise Group conducts transactions with associates and with  members 
of Bâloise Holding’s Board of Directors and Corporate Executive Committee. The terms and conditions governing 
such transactions can be found in the chapter on corporate governance, which forms an integral part of the Finan-
cial Report.

The executive management team consists of the members of Bâloise Holding’s Board of Directors and  Corporate 

Associates

Executive management

Other related parties

2012  
(restated)

2013

2012  
(restated)

2013

2012  
(restated)

2013

2012  
(restated)

Total

2013

Executive Committee.

RELATED PART Y TRANSACTIONS

CHF million

Included in the  
income statement

Premiums earned  
and policy fees

Investment income /  
expenses

Other income

Expenses

Impairment losses  
on bad debts

13.9

0.0

0.4

 – 0.3 

–

14.1

0.0

0.4

– 0.4

–

0.1

0.1

0.2

– 13.7

–

0.1

0.1

0.2

– 14.1

–

Total income statement

13.9

14.2

– 13.3

– 13.7

Included  
on the balance sheet

Mortgages and loans

Insurance receivables

Other receivables

Impairment losses  
on bad debts

Other accounts payable

Total  
on the balance sheet

Off-balance-sheet 
transactions

Guarantees granted

–

1.2

0.0

– 0.7

– 1.9

– 1.4

–

0.9

0.0

– 0.7

– 3.8

– 3.6

10.8

11.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

10.8

11.3

–

–

–

–

228

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

14.0

14.2

0.1

0.7

0.1

0.6

– 14.0

– 14.5

–

0.6

10.8

1.2

0.0

– 0.7

– 1.9

9.4

–

0.4

11.3

0.9

0.0

– 0.7

– 3.8

7.6

–

–

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT REMUNERATION

CHF million

Short-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits 

Payments under share-based payment plans

Total 

2012  
(restated)

7.9

1.2

4.6

13.7

2013

8.2

1.4

4.6

14.1

46,964 shares worth CHF 4.4 million were repurchased from members of the Corporate Executive Committee in 
2013 (2012: CHF 1.5 million) under the Employee Share Ownership Plan (section 18.4.3).

42. REMUNERATION PAID TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THE CORPORATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The information to be disclosed in accordance with sections 663b bis and 663c of the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR) 
is contained in the Remuneration Report. Pages 74 to 82 of the chapter on corporate governance form an integral 
part of the Financial Report. The key information disclosed here includes:
 → Remuneration paid to the members of the Board of Directors
 → Remuneration paid to the members of the Corporate Executive Committee
 → Loans and advances granted to members of the Board of Directors and the Corporate Executive Committee
 → Shares held by members of the Board of Directors and the Corporate Executive Committee.

229

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

43. CONTINGENT AND FUTURE LIABILITIES

43.1 Contingent liabilities

43.1.1 Legal disputes
The companies in the Baloise Group are regularly involved in litigation, legal claims and lawsuits, which in most 
cases constitute a normal part of its operating activities as an insurer. 

The Corporate Executive Committee is not aware of any new circumstances having arisen since the last balance 

sheet date that could have a material impact on the consolidated annual financial statements for 2013. 

43.1.2 Guarantees and collateral for the benefit of third parties
The Baloise Group has issued guarantees and provided collateral to third parties. These include obligations – in 
contractually specified cases – to make capital contributions or payments to increase the amount of equity, provide 
funds to cover principal and interest payments when they fall due, and issue guarantees as part of its operating 
activities. The Baloise Group is not aware of any cases of default that could trigger such guarantee payments.

CHF million

Guarantees

Collateral

Total guarantees and collateral for the benefit of third parties

Of which: for the benefit of partners in joint ventures

Of which: from joint ventures

Of which: for the benefit of joint ventures

CREDIT RATINGS OF GUARANTEES AND COLLATERAL

2012  
(restated)

67.4

437.7

505.2

–

–

–

AAA

–

–

AAA

–

–

AA

–

–

AA

–

–

A

38.3

–

A

37.3

0.2

Lower than BBB  
or no rating

BBB

–

–

29.2

437.7

Lower than BBB  
or no rating

BBB

–

–

26.5

452.1

2012  
(restated)

CHF million

Guarantees

Collateral

2013

CHF million

Guarantees

Collateral

230

2013

63.8

452.3

516.1

–

–

–

Total

67.4

437.7

Total

63.8

452.3

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

43.1.3 Pledged or ceded assets, securities-lending assets, and collateral held

CARRYING AMOUNTS OF ASSETS PLEDGED OR CEDED AS COLLATERAL

CHF million

Financial assets under repurchase agreements

Financial assets in the context of securities lending

Investments

Pledged intangible assets

Pledged property, plant and equipment

Other

Total

FAIR VALUE OF COLLATERAL HELD

CHF million

Financial assets under reverse repurchase agreements

Financial assets in the context of securities lending

Other

Total

Of which: sold or repledged

– with an obligation to return the assets

– with no obligation to return the assets

2012  
(restated)

379.5 

–

2013

284.7 

–

1,521.7 

1,575.5 

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,901.2 

1,860.1 

2012  
(restated)

2013

53.0

67.7

–

–

–

–

53.0

67.7

–

–

–

–

The Baloise Group engages in securities-lending transactions that may give rise to credit risk. Collateral is required 
in order to hedge these credit risks by more than covering the underlying value of the securities that are being lent. 
The value of the counterparty’s lending securities is regularly measured in order to minimise the credit risk involved. 
Additional collateral is immediately required if this value falls below the value of cover provided.

The Baloise Group retains control over the loaned securities throughout the term of its lending transactions. 

The income received from securities lending is recognised in profit or loss.

231

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

43.2 Future liabilities

43.2.1 Capital commitments

CHF million

Commitments undertaken for future acquisition of

investment property

financial assets

property, plant and equipment

intangible assets

Total commitments undertaken

Of which: in connection with joint ventures

Of which: own share of joint ventures’ capital commitments

CREDIT RATINGS OF CAPITAL COMMITMENTS 

2012  
(restated)

2013

30.8

408.2

–

14.3

453.3

–

–

14.8

449.4

–

19.7

484.0

–

–

2012  
(restated)

CHF million

Capital commitments

2013

CHF million

Capital commitments

AAA

80.2

AAA

18.8

AA

1.0

AA

0.8

A

Lower than BBB  
or no rating

BBB

Total

43.0

16.8

312.3

453.3

A

Lower than BBB  
or no rating

BBB

Total

61.4

18.3

384.7

484.0

Obligations undertaken by the Baloise Group to make future purchases of investments include commitments in 
respect of private equity, which constitute unfunded commitments to invest directly in private equity or to invest 
in private equity funds. 

232

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

44. OPERATING LEASES

44.1 The Baloise Group as a lessee
The Baloise Group has entered into non-cancellable leasing arrangements to lease buildings, vehicles and operating 
equipment. The average residual term of its leases is between three and five years.

DUE DATES OF LEASE PAYMENTS

CHF million

Due within one year

Due after one to five years

Due after five years or more

Total

Minimum lease payments

Contingent lease payments

Leasing expenses 

Income from sub-leases during the reporting period

Future income from sub-leases

2012  
(restated)

– 3.0

– 4.7

– 0.3

– 8.0

– 3.3

–

– 3.3

–

–

2013

– 3.1

– 4.2

–

– 7.3

– 3.8

–

– 3.8

–

–

Contingent lease payments are made in cases where the lease is indexed. 

44.2 The Baloise Group as a lessor
The Baloise Group has entered into operating leasing arrangements in order to lease its investment property to 
third parties. The average non-cancellable residual term of its leases is between four and six years. There were no 
further leasing arrangements at the balance sheet date.

DUE DATES OF CONTRACTUALLY STIPULATED LEASING INCOME

CHF million

Due within one year

Due after one to five years

Due after five years or more

Total

Minimum lease payments

Contingent lease payments

Leasing income

2012  
(restated)

34.8

55.8

11.8

102.4

34.6

0.1

34.7

2013

35.5

56.1

11.5

103.1

41.1

0.1

41.3

233

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

45. CLAIM PAYMENTS RECEIVED FROM NON-GROUP INSURERS
The companies in the Baloise Group received claim payments totalling CHF 0.1 million in 2013 (2012: CHF 0.1 mil-
lion) from non-Group insurers in connection with insurance contracts under which the Baloise Group companies 
are themselves policyholders. Most of these claim payments were made for damage to buildings in Switzerland 
where, depending on the building’s location, mandatory insurance cover is provided by government agencies. 

46. EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE SHEET DATE
The disposal of the Croatian and Serbian units was completed on 11 March 2014. 

By the time that these consolidated annual financial statements had been completed on 19 March 2014, we 
had not become aware of any further events that would have a material impact on the consolidated annual financial 
statements as a whole.

234

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

This page has been left empty on purpose.

235

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

47.  SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2013

Group’s 
share of 
voting 
rights /  
capital 
(per cent) 2

Direct 
share of 
voting 
rights /  
capital 
(per cent) 2

Primary  
activity

Operating 
segment 1

Method of 
consoli- 
dation 3

Currency

Share 
capital  
(million)

Total 
assets  
(million)

Gross  
premi-
ums /  
policy fees  
(million)

Material 
interests 
as defined 
by IFRS 4

–

–

–

–

–

CHF

CHF

CHF

CHF

CHF

CHF

5.0

2,489.9

–

75.0

5,126.2

1,349.9

50.0 28,801.3

2,900.9

50.0

6,879.5

0.2

1.5

23.3

30.5

CHF

1.5

19.3

EUR

94.7

438.4

EUR

22.0

9,024.1

393.7

EUR

15.1

1,515.4

635.8

EUR

12.8

532.4

EUR

12.8

236.6

EUR

–

–

EUR

0.1

2.8

EUR

0.7

15.0

EUR

1.5

2.9

EUR

EUR

EUR

–

0.1

–

–

35.7

–

EUR

0.5

14.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Switzerland

Bâloise Holding Ltd, Basel

Baloise Insurance Ltd, Basel

Baloise Life Ltd, Basel

Baloise Bank SoBa AG, Solothurn

Haakon AG, Basel

Baloise Asset Management Schweiz AG, 
Basel

Baloise Asset Management  
International AG, Basel

Holding

Non-life

Life

Banking

Other

Investment  

manage-

ment

Investment  

consulting

O

NL

L

B

O

B

Holding

Holding

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

74.75

74.75

100.00

100.00

B

100.00

100.00

Germany

Basler Versicherung 
Beteiligungen B.V. & Co KG, Hamburg

Basler 
Lebensversicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft, 
Hamburg

Basler Versicherungsgesellschaft,  
Bad Homburg

Deutscher Ring Bausparkasse  
Aktiengesellschaft, Hamburg

Deutscher Ring 
Beteiligungsholding GmbH, Hamburg

DePfa Beteiligungs-Holding II GmbH, 
Düsseldorf

Basler 
Financial Services GmbH, Hamburg

GROCON  
Erste Grundstücksgesellschaft mbH, 
Hamburg

GROCON  
Grundstücks- und Beteiligungs-
gesellschaft mbH, Hamburg

OVB Holding AG, Cologne

Roland Rechtsschutz 
Beteiligungs GmbH, Cologne

Roland Rechtsschutz Versicherungs AG, 
Cologne

ZEUS Vermittlungsgesellschaft mbH, 
Hamburg

Holding

O

100.00

100.00

Life

L

100.00

100.00

Non-life

NL

100.00

100.00

Banking

Holding

Other

Other

Other

B

O

–

O

O

65.00

65.00

100.00

100.00

26.00

26.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

Other

O

100.00

100.00

Other

Other

Other

Other

–

O

–

O

32.57

60.00

32.57

60.00

15.01

25.02

100.00

100.00

1   L: Life, NL: Non-life, B: Banking, O: Other activities / Group business.
2   Shares stated as a percentage are rounded down.
3   F: Full consolidation, E: Equity-accounted investment.
4   Material interest required to be disclosed under IFRS 12.

F

F

F

F

F

F

F

F

F

F

F

F

E

F

F

F

F

F

E

F

236

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

Group’s 
share of 
voting 
rights /  
capital 
(per cent) 2

Direct 
share of 
voting 
rights /  
capital 
(per cent) 2

Primary  
activity

Operating 
segment 1

Method of 
consoli- 
dation 3

Currency

Share 
capital  
(million)

Total 
assets  
(million)

Gross  
premi-
ums /  
policy fees  
(million)

Material 
interests 
as defined 
by IFRS 4

Belgium

Baloise Belgium NV, Antwerp

Euromex NV, Antwerp

Merno-Immo NV, Antwerp

Luxembourg

Bâloise (Luxembourg) Holding S.A., 
Bertrange (Luxembourg)

Bâloise Assurances Luxembourg S.A., 
Bertrange (Luxembourg)

Bâloise Vie Luxembourg S.A., 
Bertrange (Luxembourg)

Baloise Life (Liechtenstein) AG, Balzers

Baloise Fund Invest Advico,  
Bertrange (Luxembourg)

Bâloise Delta Holding S. à. r. l.,  
Bertrange (Luxembourg)

Austria / Croatia / Serbia

Basler Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft 
in Österreich, Vienna

Basler osiguranje Zagreb d.d., Zagreb

Neživotno osiguranje “Basler” a.d.o., 
Belgrade

Životno osiguranje “Basler” a.d.o., 
Belgrade

Other territories

Bâloise Participations Holding,  
Amsterdam

Baloise Insurance Company  
(Bermuda)  Ltd., Hamilton (Bermuda)

Baloise Alternative Investment  
Strategies Limited, 
St. Helier (Jersey / Channel Islands)

Baloise Finance (Jersey) Ltd., 
St. Helier (Jersey / Channel Islands)

Baloise Private Equity Limited, 
St. Helier (Jersey / Channel Islands)

Life and 

non-life

Non-life

Other

L / NL

100.00

100.00

NL

O

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

Holding

O

100.00

100.00

Non-life

NL

100.00

100.00

Life

Life

Other

L

L

B

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

Holding

O

100.00

100.00

Life and 

non-life

Life and 

non-life

Non-life

L / NL

100.00

100.00

L / NL

100.00

100.00

NL

100.00

100.00

Life

L

100.00

100.00

Holding

O

100.00

100.00

Reinsur-

ance

Investment  

manage-

ment

Other

NL

100.00

100.00

L / NL

100.00

100.00

O

100.00

100.00

Investment  

L / NL

100.00

100.00

manage-

ment

1   L: Life, NL: Non-life, B: Banking, O: Other activities / Group business.
2   Shares stated as a percentage are rounded down.
3   F: Full consolidation, E: Equity-accounted investment.
4   Material interest required to be disclosed under IFRS 12.

F

F

F

F

F

F

F

F

F

F

F

F

F

F

F

F

F

F

EUR

215.2

7,363.6

858.0

X

EUR

EUR

2.7

17.1

135.1

28.0

CHF

250.0

1,146.6

52.0

–

–

EUR

9.8

156.0

64.3

EUR

32.7

4,182.0

47.5

CHF

EUR

7.5

0.1

9.1

2,821.4

1.7

EUR

224.3

288.4

–

–

X

X

X

X

EUR

5.1

470.2

121.3

HRK

55.5

2,534.0

398.8

X

RSD

675.1

892.1

397.9

RSD

300.1

516.6

86.0

EUR

10.9

0.8

–

X

CHF

5.0

1,056.8

190.7

USD

0.0

846.8

CHF

1.3

216.7

USD

0.0

461.3

–

–

–

X

237

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

48. CHANGES TO SHAREHOLDINGS
In 2013, the Baloise Group disposed of 35 per cent of its shareholdings in Luxembourg-based Barosa S.à.r.l., which 
had been founded in 2012. The remaining shareholding of 65 per cent means that it retains a controlling interest in 
this long-term equity investment.

CHF million

Carrying amount of interests acquired or sold (transactions with non-controlling interests)

Amount of the consideration received from or paid to non-controlling interests

Net effect of the purchase or sale of non-controlling interests recognised directly in equity

2012  
(restated)

–

–

–

2013

10.5

10.5

 –

In 2013 and in 2012, there were no transactions involving non-controlling interests that led to the loss of control 
over a subsidiary.

238

Financial Report
Notes to the consolidated annual financial statements

49.  CONSOLIDATED STRUCTURED ENTITIES
The Baloise Group held one consolidated structured entity – Baloise Fund Invest (Lux) – at the end of the reporting 
year. Baloise Fund Invest (Lux) is a Luxembourg-based firm in the legal form of an investment company with  variable 
capital (SICAV managed by a third party). Baloise Fund Invest (Lux) is an umbrella fund consisting of various pools 
of assets and liabilities (or ‘sub-funds’), with each sub-fund pursuing its own investment policy. Baloise Fund Invest 
(Lux) and its sub-funds collectively constitute a legal entity. However, each sub-fund is deemed to be a separate 
entity as far as the legal relationship between unitholders is concerned. A sub-fund’s assets are liable to third parties 
only for the liabilities and obligations relating to this sub-fund. 

The prime objective of Baloise Fund Invest (Lux) is to enable unitholders to benefit from professional  management 

strategies based on the principle of risk diversification in line with each sub-fund’s specified investment policy.

The holding of units in Baloise Fund Invest (Lux) does not give rise to any contractual obligations. There are 
no arrangements that oblige the Baloise Group to provide financial support to the consolidated entity Baloise Fund 
Invest (Lux), and no voluntary financial or other support was provided during the reporting year.

239

Financial Report
Report of the statutory auditor

Report of the statutory auditor  
to the General Meeting of  
Bâloise Holding Ltd, Basel

REPORT OF THE STATUTORY AUDITOR ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As statutory auditor, we have audited the consolidated financial statements of Bâloise Holding Ltd, which comprise 
the consolidated balance sheet, consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive income, 
consolidated cash flow statement, consolidated statement of changes in equity and notes to the consolidated  financial 
statements (pages 74 to 82 and 90 to 239), for the year ended 31 December 2013.

Board of Directors’ responsibility
The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial state-
ments in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the requirements of Swiss 
law. This responsibility includes designing, implementing and maintaining an internal control system relevant to 
the preparation and fair presentation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error. The Board of Directors is further responsible for selecting and applying appropriate 
accounting policies and making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances.

Auditor’s responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We con-
ducted our audit in accordance with Swiss law and Swiss Auditing Standards as well as the International Standards 
on Auditing. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether 
the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement. 

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the 
consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment 
of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In  making 
those risk assessments, the auditor considers the internal control system relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair 
presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the 
circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal  control 
system. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of the accounting policies used and the reasonableness 
of accounting estimates made, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We 
believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion

Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 give a true and fair view 
of the financial position, the results of operations and the cash flows in accordance with the International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRS) and comply with Swiss law..

240

Financial Report
Report of the statutory auditor

REPORT ON OTHER LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
We confirm that we meet the legal requirements on licensing according to the Auditor Oversight Act (AOA) and 
independence (article 728 CO and article 11 AOA) and that there are no circumstances incompatible with our  
independence. 

In accordance with article 728a paragraph 1 item 3 CO and Swiss Auditing Standard 890, we confirm that an 
internal control system exists, which has been designed for the preparation of consolidated financial statements 
according to the instructions of the Board of Directors.

We recommend that the consolidated financial statements submitted to you be approved.

PricewaterhouseCoopers Ltd

Christian Schacher
Audit expert

Peter Lüssi 
Audit expert 
Auditor in charge

Basel, 20 March 2014

241

4  Baloise
18  Review of operating performance
38  Sustainable business management
50  Corporate Governance
90  Financial Report 
244  Bâloise Holding Ltd
258  Notes

Bâloise Holding Ltd

Income statement of Bâloise Holding  �����������������������������������������  244
Balance sheet of Bâloise Holding ��������������������������������������������������  245
Notes Bâloise Holding  �����������������������������������������������������������������������  246
Appropriation of distributable profit  
as proposed by the Board of Directors  ���������������������������������������  253
Report of the statutory auditor to the  
Annual General Meeting of Bâloise Holding Ltd, Basel  �����  254

G
N

I

D
L
O
H
E
S

I

O
L
Â
B

 
Financial Report
Income statement Bâloise Holding

Income statement Bâloise Holding

CHF million

Income from long-term equity investments

Income from interest and securities

Other income

Total income

Administrative expenses

Interest expenses

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment

Other expenses

Total expenses

Tax expense

Profit for the period

Note

2012

2013

2

3

4

5

6

7

325.8

13.0

8.8

347.6

– 43.2

– 55.1

0.0

– 5.8

– 104.1

284.9

15.5

8.0

308.4

– 53.2

– 44.6

– 151.1

– 3.9

– 252.8

– 0.2

– 0.1

243.3

55.5

244

Financial Report
Balance sheet Bâloise Holding

Balance sheet Bâloise Holding

CHF million

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Treasury shares

Receivables from Group companies 

Receivables from third parties 

Prepaid expenses 

Current assets 

Long-term equity investments

Loans to Group companies 

Other financial assets 

Non-current assets 

Total assets 

Equity and liabilities

Share capital 

Statutory reserve

General reserve 

Reserve for treasury shares

Other reserves

Distributable profit

Equity 

Liabilities to Group companies 

Liabilities to third parties

Bonds

Provisions 

Deferred income

Liabilities 

Total equity and liabilities

Note

31.12.2012

31.12.2013

128.3

135.4

74.3

3.7

32.3

374.0

93.7

139.4

70.2

4.0

41.9

349.2

1,986.7

1,837.3

167.7

215.0

77.0

–

2,369.4

1,914.3

2,743.4

2,263.5

5.0

5.0

11.7

173.9

224.9

244.1

659.6

0.1

0.0

11.7

176.3

240.7

56.3

490.1

15.1

0.0

8

10

9

12

11

2,042.5

1,717.5

6.8

34.4

8.0

32.8

2,083.8

1,773.4

2,743.4

2,263.5

245

Financial Report
Notes Bâloise Holding

Notes Bâloise Holding

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The annual financial statements of Bâloise Holding have been prepared in compliance with Swiss stock company 
law� They were prepared in accordance with the transitional provisions of the new financial reporting legislation 
based on the provisions of the Swiss Code of Obligations concerning bookkeeping and accounting, which had applied 
until 31 December 2012�

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include bank deposits and cash equivalents such as call money, fixed-term deposits and 
money market instruments provided that these assets’ original maturity period is less than 90 days�

Treasury shares
Treasury shares are measured at the lower of cost and fair value�

Receivables
Receivables are recognised at their nominal amount less any impairment losses�

Prepaid expenses and accrued income
This line item includes expenses relating to the new financial year that have been paid in advance and income 
from the reporting year that will not be received until a later date� It also comprises dividends approved by 
 subsidiaries’ annual general meetings at the balance sheet date, which Bâloise Holding reports as dividends 
 receivable� 

Long-term equity investments
Long-term equity investments are recognised at cost less any impairment losses�

Loans to Group companies
These loans are measured at their nominal amount less any impairment losses� Specific write-downs are recognised 
for all identifiable risks in accordance with the prudence principle�

Other financial assets
Marketable securities are recognised at the lower of cost and fair value�

Liabilities
Liabilities are recognised at their nominal amount�

Bonds
Bonds are shown at their par value� Issuance costs – less any premiums – are charged in full to the income statement 
at the time the bonds are issued�

Provisions
Provisions are recognised with due care and diligence to cover any risks that may arise� 

Deferred income and accrued expenses
This line item comprises income relating to the new financial year that has already been received as well as  expenses 
relating to the reporting year that will not be paid until a later date�

246

Financial Report
Notes Bâloise Holding

NOTES TO THE INCOME STATEMENT

2. INCOME FROM INTEREST AND SECURITIES

CHF million

Income from treasury shares

Interest on loans to Group companies 

Income from other financial assets 

Other interest receivable 

Total income from interest and securities

3. OTHER INCOME

CHF million

Income from services rendered

Sundry income

Total other income

4. ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

CHF million

Personnel expenses

Other administrative expenses

Total administrative expenses

5. INTEREST EXPENSES

CHF million

Interest on bonds

Other interest expenses

Total interest expenses

2012

2013

8.6

3.2

1.0

0.2

13.0

8.5

5.7

1.2

0.1

15.5

2012

2013

1.0

7.8

8.8

–

8.0

8.0

2012

2013

– 27.7

– 15.5

– 43.2

– 38.6

– 14.6

– 53.2

2012

2013

– 55.1

0.0

– 55.1

– 44.6

0.0

– 44.6

247

Financial Report
Notes Bâloise Holding

6. DEPRECIATION, AMORTISATION AND IMPAIRMENT

CHF million

Impairment of long-term equity investments

Impairment of treasury shares

Total depreciation, amortisation and impairment

2012

2013

–

0.0

0.0

– 151.1

–

– 151.1

In 2013 the Company recognised a one-off impairment loss of CHF 151�1 million on the long-term equity invest-
ments in its Croatian and Serbian units, which were due to be sold�

7.  OTHER EXPENSES

CHF million

Expenses incurred for services rendered 

Sundry expenses

Total other expenses

NOTES TO THE BALANCE SHEET

2012

2013

– 1.0

– 4.8

– 5.8

–

– 3.9

– 3.9

8. PREPAID EXPENSES AND ACCRUED INCOME
The annual general meeting of Baloise Bank SoBa AG, Solothurn, held on 6 March 2014, the AGM of Haakon AG, 
Basel, held on 18 March 2014 and the AGMs of Baloise Asset Management Schweiz AG, Basel, and of Baloise Asset 
Management International AG, Basel, held on 20 March 2014 voted to recognise the dividends receivable for the 2013 
financial year as accrued income (2013: CHF 41�8 million / 2012: CHF 31�7 million)�

9. LOANS TO GROUP COMPANIES

CHF million

Subordinated loans to Baloise Bank SoBa

Subordinated loans to Bâloise (Luxembourg) Holding S.A. 

Loan to Bâloise (Luxembourg) Holding S.A. 

Total loans to Group companies

248

2012

2013

70.0

70.0

27.7

167.7

40.0

37.0

–

77.0

Financial Report
Notes Bâloise Holding

10. LONG-TERM EQUIT Y INVESTMENTS

Company

Basler Versicherung AG, Basel

Basler Leben AG, Basel

Baloise Bank SoBa AG, Solothurn

Baloise Asset Management Schweiz AG, Basel

Baloise Asset Management International AG, Basel

Haakon AG, Basel

Baloise Life (Liechtenstein) AG, Balzers

Basler Saturn Management B.V., Hamburg

Bâloise (Luxembourg) Holding S.A., Bertrange (Luxembourg)

Bâloise Delta Holding S.à.r.l., Bertrange (Luxembourg)

Baloise Fund Invest Advico, Bertrange (Luxembourg)

Baloise Insurance Company (Bermuda) Ltd., Hamilton, Bermuda

Baloise Finance (Jersey) Ltd, St. Helier, Jersey

Basler osiguranje Zagreb d.d., Zagreb

Neživotno osiguranje “Basler” a.d.o., Belgrade

Životno osiguranje “Basler” a.d.o., Belgrade

1   Investments stated as a percentage are rounded down.

Total 
shareholding  
as at  
31.12.2012

Total  
shareholding  
as at  
31.12.2013

Share capital  
as at  
31.12.2013

(per cent) 1

(per cent) 1

Currency

(million)

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

74.75

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

74.75

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

CHF

CHF

CHF

CHF

CHF

CHF

CHF

EUR

CHF

EUR

EUR

CHF

CHF

HRK

RSD

RSD

75.0

50.0

50.0

1.5

1.5

0.2

7.5

0.0

250.0

224.3

0.1

5.0

1.3

55.5

675.1

300.1

Further information on the long-term equity investments held directly by Bâloise Holding can be found on pages 
236 and 237 in the Financial Report section� 

11.  BONDS

AMOUNT

CHF 150 million

CHF 242.5 million (convertible bond)

CHF 225 million 

CHF 175 million 

CHF 300 million 

CHF 250 million 

CHF 150 million 

CHF 225 million 

Interest rate

Issued

Maturity date

3.500 %

1.500 %

1.000 %

2.250 %

2.875 %

3.000 %

2.000 %

1.750 %

2007

2009

2012

2012

2010

2011

2012

2013

19.12.2014

17.11.2016

12.10.2017

01.03.2019

14.10.2020

07.07.2021

12.10.2022

26.04.2023

249

Financial Report
Notes Bâloise Holding

12.  CHANGES IN EQUIT Y

CHF million

Share capital

Balance as at 1 January

Reduced through cancellation of treasury shares as per AGM resolution

Total share capital

Statutory reserves

General reserve

Balance as at 1 January

Allocated

Total general reserve

Reserve for treasury shares

Balance as at 1 January

Reduced through cancellation of treasury shares as per AGM resolution

Withdrawn (transferred to other reserves)

Allocated (transferred from other reserves) 1

Total reserve for treasury shares

31.12.2012

31.12.2013

5.0

–

5.0

11.7

–

11.7

182.3

–

– 8.4

–

173.9

5.0

–

5.0

11.7

–

11.7

173.9

–

–

2.4

176.3

Total statutory reserves

185.6

188.0

Other reserves

Balance as at 1 January

Allocated from distributable profit

Withdrawn for distributable profit

Allocated (transferred from reserve for treasury shares)

Withdrawn (transferred to reserve for treasury shares)

Total other reserves

Distributable profit

Balance as at 1 January

Dividend distributed

Allocated to other reserves

Withdrawn from other reserves

Profit for the period

Total distributable profit

Total equity

247.4

–

– 30.9

8.4

–

224.9

194.9

– 225.0

–

30.9

243.3

244.1

224.9

18.2

–

–

– 2.4

240.7

244.1

– 225.0

– 18.2

–

55.5

56.3

659.6

490.1

1   Baloise Group companies purchased a total of 393,353 shares (not including the share buy-back via the secondary trading line) at an average price of CHF 93 during 
the reporting year. During this period they sold 377,392 shares at an average price of CHF 87 and together held a total of 1,910,263 Bâloise Holding shares as at  
31 December 2013. As in the previous year, the number of Bâloise Holding shares acquired via the secondary trading line amounted to 223,565 shares. These shares 
are reported as ’treasury shares’ on the balance sheet.

250

Financial Report
Notes Bâloise Holding

13. SIGNIFICANT SHAREHOLDERS
The information available to the Company reveals that the following significant shareholders and shareholder groups 
linked by voting rights held long-term equity investments in the Company within the meaning of section 663c of 
the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR) as at 31 December 2013:

Per cent

Shareholders

Chase Nominees Ltd. 1

Black Rock Inc.

Mellon Bank N.A. 1

LSV Asset Management

UBS Fund Management AG

Nortrust Nominees Ltd. 1

Credit Suisse Funds AG

Signal Iduna Group

Bank of New York Mellon N.V. 1

Total 
shareholding  
as at  
31.12.2012

Share of  
voting rights 
as at  
31.12.2012

Total 
shareholding  
as at  
31.12.2013

Share of  
voting rights 
as at  
31.12.2013

5.9

>5.0

3.5

0.0

>3.0

<2.0

>3.0

<5.0

 <2.0 

2.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

<2.0

0.0

<2.0

2.0

0.0 

7.3

<5.0

3.3

>3.0

>3.0

3.0

<3.0

<3.0

2.0

2.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

<2.0

0.0

<2.0

0.0

0.0

1   Custodian nominees who hold shares in trust for third parties are counted as part of the free float under the SIX Exchange regulations.  

Such shareholder groups are not subject to disclosure requirements under Swiss stock market legislation.

14. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

CHF million

Collateral, guarantee commitments

2012

2013

164.8

203.2

Bâloise Holding has issued the following letter of comfort:

As the owner of Baloise Life (Liechtenstein) AG, Bâloise Holding, Basel, undertakes to ensure that its  subsidiary 
Baloise Life (Liechtenstein) AG is at all times in a financial position to meet in full its liabilities to its customers 
arising from the contracts relating to its RentaSafe, BelRenta Safe, RentaProtect and RentaSafe Time products, espe-
cially its guarantee commitments� Since October 2012 this letter of comfort has also applied to customers with 
contracts relating to its RentaProtect Time, RentaSafe Time (D-CHF), RentaSafe Time Italy and RentaProtect  Performance 
products� The maximum liability corresponds to the actuarial reserves recognised for these products on the balance 
sheet of Baloise Life (Liechtenstein) AG as at 31 December 2013�

Bâloise Holding is jointly and severally liable for the value added tax (VAT) owed by all companies that form 

part of the tax group headed by Baloise Insurance Ltd� 

251

Financial Report
Notes Bâloise Holding

15. CEDED ASSETS
Bâloise Holding lends some of its treasury shares to Baloise Insurance Ltd every year under a securities lending 
agreement� These shares are used in the Employee Share Ownership Plan run by Baloise Insurance Ltd� No assets 
had been ceded at the balance sheet date (2012: none)� 

16. REMUNERATION PAID TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THE CORPORATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The information to be disclosed in accordance with sections 663b bis and 663c of the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR) 
is contained in the Remuneration Report� Pages 74 to 82 of the chapter on corporate governance form an integral 
part of the Financial Report� The key information disclosed here includes
 → remuneration paid to the members of the Board of Directors,
 → remuneration paid to the members of the Corporate Executive Committee,
 → loans and advances granted to members of the Board of Directors and the Corporate Executive Committee,
 → shares and options held by members of the Board of Directors and the Corporate Executive Committee�

17.  INFORMATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF RISK ASSESSMENTS
Information on the performance of risk assessments can be found in section 5� “Management of insurance risk and 
financial risk” of the Baloise Group’s consolidated annual financial statements�

18. EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE SHEET DATE
By the time that these annual financial statements had been completed on 19 March 2014, we had not become aware 
of any further events that would have a material impact on the annual financial statements as a whole�

252

Financial Report
Proposal by the Board of Directors 

Appropriation of distributable profit  
as proposed by the Board of Directors

DISTRIBUTABLE PROFIT AND APPROPRIATION OF PROFIT
The profit for the period amounted to 55,480,024�92 CHF�

The Board of Directors will propose to the Annual General Meeting that the Company’s distributable profit 

be appropriated as shown in the table below� 

CHF

Profit for the period

Profit carried forward from the previous year

Distributable profit

Proposals by the Board of Directors

Allocated to other reserves 

Withdrawn from other reserves 

Dividend

Profit to be carried forward 

2012

2013

243,287,209.11

55,480,024.92

754,105.97

841,315.08

244,041,315.08

56,321,340.00

– 18,200,000.00

–

–

181,900,000.00

– 225,000,000.00

– 237,500,000.00

841,315.08

721,340.00

The appropriation of profit is consistent with § 30 of the Articles of Incorporation� Each share confers the right to 
receive a dividend of CHF 4�75 gross or CHF 3�09 net of withholding tax�

253

Financial Report
Report of the statutory auditor

Report of the statutory auditor  
to the General Meeting of  
Bâloise Holding Ltd, Basel

REPORT OF THE STATUTORY AUDITOR ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As statutory auditor, we have audited the financial statements of Bâloise Holding Ltd, which comprise the income 
statement, balance sheet and notes (pages 74 to 82 and 244 to 252), for the year ended 31 December 2013�

Board of Directors’ responsibility
The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the require-
ments of Swiss law and the company’s articles of incorporation� This responsibility includes designing,  implementing 
and maintaining an internal control system relevant to the preparation of financial statements that are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error� The Board of Directors is further responsible for selecting 
and applying appropriate accounting policies and making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the  circumstances�

Auditor’s responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit� We conducted our 
audit in accordance with Swiss law and Swiss Auditing Standards� Those standards require that we plan and perform 
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement� 

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the 
financial statements� The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the 
risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error� In making those risk 
 assessments, the auditor considers the internal control system relevant to the entity’s preparation of the financial 
statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose 
of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control system� An audit also includes evalu-
ating the appropriateness of the accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made, as 
well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements� We believe that the audit evidence we have 
obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion�

Opinion
In our opinion, the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 comply with Swiss law and the 
 company’s articles of incorporation�

254

Financial Report
Report of the statutory auditor

REPORT ON OTHER LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
We confirm that we meet the legal requirements on licensing according to the Auditor Oversight Act (AOA) and 
independence (article 728 CO and article 11 AOA) and that there are no circumstances incompatible with our 
 independence�

In accordance with article 728a paragraph 1 item 3 CO and Swiss Auditing Standard 890, we confirm that an 
internal control system exists, which has been designed for the preparation of financial statements according to the 
instructions of the Board of Directors�

We further confirm that the proposed appropriation of retained earnings complies with Swiss law and the 

company’s articles of incorporation� We recommend that the financial statements submitted to you be approved�

PricewaterhouseCoopers Ltd

Christian Schacher
Audit expert

Peter Lüssi 
Audit expert 
Auditor in charge

Basel, 20 March 2014

255

4  Baloise
18  Review of operating performance
38  Sustainable business management
50  Corporate Governance
90  Financial Report 
244  Bâloise Holding Ltd
258  Notes 

Notes

GLOSSARY  ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������  258
ADDRESSES  ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������  262
INFORMATION ON THE BALOISE GROUP  ������������������������������������  263
FINANCIAL CALENDAR AND CONTACTS  ���������������������������������������  264

Notes
Glossary

Glossary

 → Actuarial reserves

Actuarial reserves are the reserves set aside to cover current 
life insurance policies�

costs incurred by the processing of claims, and changes in 
related reserves�

 → Annual premium equivalent

The annual premium equivalent (APE) is the insurance indus­
try standard for measuring the volume of new life insurance 
business� It is calculated as the sum of the annual premiums 
earned  from  new  business  plus  10  per  cent  of  the  single 
premiums received during the reporting period� 

 → Claims ratio

The total cost of claims settled as a percentage of total pre­
miums�

 → Claims reserve

A reserve for claims that have not been settled by the end of 
the year�

 → Assets managed for third parties

 → Combined ratio

These are assets held in trust for clients and partners�

 → Baloise

“Baloise” stands for “the Baloise Group”, and “Bâloise Hold­
ing” means “Bâloise Holding Ltd”� Baloise shares are the shares 
of Bâloise Holding Ltd�

 → Broker

Insurance brokers are independent intermediaries� These are 
firms or individuals who are not restricted to any particular 
insurance companies when selling insurance products� They 
are paid commission for the insurance policies that they sell�

 → Business volume

The total volume of business comprises the premium income 
earned from non­life and life insurance and from investment­
linked life insurance policies during the reporting period� 
The accounting principles used by the Baloise Group do not 
allow premium income earned from investment­linked life 
insurance  to  be  reported  as  revenue  in  the  consolidated 
 financial statements�

 → Claims incurred

Claims incurred comprise the amounts paid out for claims 
during the financial year, the reserves set aside to cover un­
settled claims, the reversal of reserves for claims that no 
longer have to be settled or do not have to be paid in full, the 

A non­life insurance ratio that is defined as the sum of the 
cost of claims settled (claims ratio), total expenses (expense 
ratio) and profit sharing (profit­sharing ratio) as a percentage 
of total premiums� This ratio is used to gauge the profitabil­
ity of non­life insurance business�

 → Deferred taxes

Probable future tax expenses and tax benefits arising from 
temporary differences between the carrying amounts of as­
sets and liabilities recognised in the consolidated financial 
statements and the corresponding amounts reported for tax 
purposes� The pertinent calculations are based on country­
specific tax rates�

 → Embedded value 

The market­consistent embedded value (MCEV) measures 
the value of a life insurance portfolio for shareholders at the 
balance sheet date� Please also refer to the separate MCEV 
report�

 → Expense ratio 

Non­life insurance business expenses as a percentage of  total 
premiums�

 → Fixed-income securities

Securities (primarily bonds) that yield a fixed rate of interest 
throughout their term to maturity�

258

Notes
Glossary

 → Gross

 → Investment-linked premium

The gross figures shown on the face of the balance sheet or 
income statement in an insurance company’s annual report 
are stated before deduction of reinsurance�

 → Group life business

Insurance policies taken out by companies or their employee 
benefit units for the occupational pension plans of their entire 
workforce� 

 → International Financial Reporting Standards

Since 2000 the Baloise Group has been preparing its con­
solidated financial statements in compliance with Inter national 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), which were previ­
ously called International Accounting Standards (IAS)�

 → Impairment

An asset write­down that is recognised in profit or loss� An 
impairment test is carried out to ascertain whether an asset’s 
carrying amount is higher than its recoverable amount� If this 
is the case, the asset is written down to its recoverable amount 
and a corresponding impairment loss is recognised in the in­
come statement�

 → Insurance benefit

Premium income from life insurance policies under which 
the insurance company invests the policyholder’s savings 
for the latter’s own account and at his or her own risk� The 
 International Financial Reporting Standards applied by the 
Baloise Group do not allow the savings component of this 
premium income to be recognised as revenue on the face of 
the income statement�

 → Legal quota

A legally or contractually binding percentage requiring life 
insurance companies to pass on a certain share of their prof­
its to their policyholders�

 → Minimum interest rate

The minimum guaranteed interest rate paid to savers under 
occupational pension plans�

 → Operating segments

Similar or related business activities are grouped together in 
operating segments� The Baloise Group’s operating segments 
are Non­Life, Life, Banking (which includes asset manage­
ment), and Other Activities� The “Other Activities” operating 
segment includes equity investment companies, real­estate 
firms and financing companies�

The benefits provided by the insurer in connection with the 
occurrence of an insured event�

 → Net

The net figures shown on the face of the balance sheet or 
income statement in an insurance company’s annual report 
are stated after deduction of reinsurance�

 → New business margin

The value of new business divided by the annual premium 
equivalent (APE)�

 → Investments

Investments comprise investment property, equities and 
alter native financial assets (financial instruments with char­
acteristics of equity), fixed­income securities (financial in­
struments with characteristics of liabilities), mortgage assets, 
policy loans and other loans, derivatives, and cash and cash 
equivalents� Precious metals in connection with investment­
linked insurance are reported as “other assets�”

 → Investment-linked life insurance

Life insurance policies under which policyholders invest their 
savings for their own account and at their own risk�

259

Notes
Glossary

 → Performance of investments

 → Reinsurance

Performance in this context is defined as the rates of return 
that Baloise generates from its investments� It constitutes the 
gains, losses, income and expenses recognised in the income 
statement plus changes in unrealised gains and losses as  
a percentage of the average portfolio of investments held�

If an insurance company itself does not wish to bear the full 
risk arising from an insurance policy or an entire portfolio 
of policies, it passes on part of the risk to a reinsurance com­
pany or another direct insurer� However, the primary  insurer 
still has to indemnify the policyholder for the full risk in all 
cases�

 → Periodic premium

Periodically recurring premium income (see definition of 
“premium”)�

 → Policyholder’s dividend

An annual, non­guaranteed benefit paid to life insurance 
policyholders if the revenue generated by their policies is 
higher and / or the risks and costs associated with their poli­
cies are lower than the assumptions on which the calculation 
of their premiums was based� 

 → Premium

The amount paid by the policyholder to cover the cost of 
insurance�

 → Premium earned

The proportion of the policy premium available to cover  
the risk insured during the financial year, i�e� the premium 
minus changes in unearned premium reserves�

 → Profit after taxes

Profit after taxes is the consolidated net result of all income 
and expenses, minus all borrowing costs as well as current 
and deferred income taxes� Profit after taxes includes non­
controlling interests�

 → Profit-sharing ratio

Total profit sharing as a percentage of total premiums; profit 
sharing is defined as the reimbursement of amounts to non­
life policyholders to reflect the profitability of insurance 
policies�

 → Reserves

A measurement of future insurance benefit obligations aris­
ing from known and unknown claims that are reported as 
liabilities on the face of the balance sheet�

 → Return on equity

A calculation of the percentage return earned on a company’s 
equity capital during a financial year; it represents the profit 
generated in a given financial year divided by the company’s 
average equity during that period� 

 → Risk scoring

Risk scoring uses analytical statistical methods to derive risk 
assessments from collected data based on empirical values� 
Insurance companies use this kind of scoring to ensure that 
the premiums they charge reflect the risks involved�

 → Run-off business

An insurance policy portfolio that has ceased to accept new 
policies and whose existing policies are gradually expiring�

 → Segment

Financial reporting in the Baloise Group is carried out in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRSs), which require similar transactions and business 
activities to be grouped and presented together� These aggre­
gated operating activities are presented in “segments,” broken 
down by geographic region and business line�

260

Notes
Glossary

 → Share buy-back programme

 → Technical result

Procedure approved by the Board of Directors under which 
Baloise can repurchase its own outstanding shares� Compa­
nies in Switzerland open a separate trading line in order to 
carry out such buy­backs�

Baloise calculates its technical result by netting all income 
and expenses arising from its insurance business� Its tech­ 
nical result does not include income and expenses unrelated 
to its insurance business or the net gains or losses on its 
investments�

 → Shares issued

The total number of shares that a company has issued; multi­
plying the total number of shares in issue by their face value 
gives the company’s nominal share capital�

 → Unearned premium reserves

Deferred income arising from premiums that have already 
been paid for periods after the balance sheet date�

 → Single premium 

 → Unrealised gains and losses (recognised directly in equity)

Unrealised gains and losses are increases or decreases in 
value that are not recognised in profit or loss and arise from 
the measurement of assets� They are recognised directly in 
equity after deduction of deferred policyholders’ dividends 
(life insurance) and deferred taxes� These gains or losses are 
only taken to income if the underlying asset is sold or if 
impairment losses are recognised�

 → Value of new business

The  value  added  by  new  business  transacted  during  the  
reporting  period;  this  figure  is  measured  at  the  time  the 
policy is issued�

Single premiums are used to finance life insurance policies 
at their inception in the form of a one­off payment� They are 
mainly used to fund wealth­building life insurance policies, 
with the prime focus on investment returns and safety�

 → Swiss Leader Index

The Swiss Leader Index (SLI) comprises the 30 largest and 
most liquid equities on the Swiss stock market�

 → Solvency

Minimum capital requirements that the regulatory authori­
ties impose on insurance companies in order to cover their 
business risks (investments and claims)� These requirements 
are usually specified at a national level and may vary from 
country to country� 

 → Technical reserve

Insurers disclose on the face of their balance sheets the value 
of the benefits that they expect to have to provide in future 
under their existing insurance contracts� This value is calcu­
lated from a current perspective in accordance with gener­
ally accepted principles�

261

Notes 
Addresses

Addresses

SWITZERLAND

AUSTRIA

BELGIUM

Basler Versicherungen
Brigittenauer Lände 50 – 54
A-1203 Vienna
Telephone + 43 1 33 160 0
Fax + 43 1 33 160 200
office@basler.at
www.basler.at

Baloise Insurance
Posthofbrug 16
B-2600 Antwerp
Telephone + 32 3 247 21 11
Fax + 32 3 247 27 77
info@baloise.be
www.baloise.be

LUXEMBOURG

LIECHTENSTEIN

Bâloise Assurances
23, rue du Puits Romain
Bourmicht
L-8070 Bertrange
Telephone + 352 290 190 1
Fax + 352 290 190 9001
info@baloise.lu
www.baloise.lu

Baloise Life
Alte Landstrasse 6
FL-9496 Balzers
Telephone + 423 388 90 00
Fax + 423 388 90 21
information@baloise-life.com
www.baloise-life.com

Basler Versicherungen
Aeschengraben 21 
CH-4002 Basel 
Telephone + 41 58 285 85 85 
Fax + 41 58 285 70 70 
kundenservice@baloise.ch 
www.baloise.ch

Baloise Bank SoBa 
Amthausplatz 4
CH-4502 Solothurn
Telephone + 41 58 285 33 33
Fax + 41 58 285 03 33
bank@baloise.ch
www.baloise.ch

GERMANY

Basler Versicherungen
Basler Strasse 4
Postfach 1145
D-61345 Bad Homburg
Telephone + 49 61 72 130
Fax + 49 61 72 13 200
info@basler.de
www.basler.de

262

Notes 
Information on the Baloise Group

Information  
on the Baloise Group

The 2013 Annual Report is published in German and English� 
The German version is authoritative in the event of any discrep­
ancy� The Financial Report section contains the audited 2013 
annual financial statements together with detailed information�

AVAILABILIT Y AND ORDERING
The 2013 Annual Report and the Summary of the 2013 Annual 
Report will be available on the internet at www�baloise�com/
annualreport from 25 March 2014� 

Corporate publications can be ordered either on the inter­
net or by post from the Baloise Group, Corporate Communi­
cations, Aeschengraben 21, 4002 Basel, Switzerland�

INFORMATION FOR SHAREHOLDERS  

AND FINANCIAL ANALYSTS
Detailed information and data on Baloise shares, the IR agenda, 
the latest presentations and how to contact the Investor Rela­
tions team can be found on the internet at www�baloise�com/
investors� This information is available in German and English� 

INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA
You will find the latest media releases, presentations, reports, 
images and podcasts of various Baloise events as well as media 
contact details at www�baloise�com/media�

CAUTIONARY NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This publication is intended to provide an overview of Baloise’s 
operating performance� It contains forward­looking statements 
that include forecasts of future events, plans, goals, business 
developments and results and are based on Baloise’s current 
expectations and assumptions� These forward­looking state­
ments should be noted with due caution because they inher­
ently contain both known and unknown risks, are subject to 
uncertainty and may be adversely affected by other factors� 
Consequently, business performance, results, plans and goals 
could differ substantially from those presented explicitly or 
implicitly in these forward­looking statements� Among the 
influencing factors are (i) changes in the overall state of the 
economy, especially in key markets; (ii) financial market per­
formance; (iii) competitive factors; (iv) changes in interest rates; 
(v) exchange rate movements; (vi) changes in the statutory and 
regulatory framework, including accounting standards; (vii) 
frequency and magnitude of claims as well as trends in claims 
history; (viii) mortality and morbidity rates; (ix) renewal and 
expiry of insurance policies; (x) legal disputes and administra­
tive  proceedings;  (xi)  departure  of  key  employees;  and  (xii) 
negative publicity and media reports� 

Baloise accepts no obligation to update or revise these 
forward­looking statements or to allow for new information, 
future events, etc� Past performance is not indicative of future 
results�

© 2014 Bâloise Holding Ltd, 4002 Basel, Switzerland

Publisher  Baloise, Corporate Communications
Concept, design  Eclat, Erlenbach (ZH)
Photography  Maurice Haas, Zurich / Marc Wetli, Zurich
Publishing System  Multimedia Solutions AG, Zurich
Printing  Gremper AG, Pratteln

263

Notes 
Financial calender and contacts

Financial calendar and contacts

25.3.2014  Annual financial results:

media conference
conference call for analysts

24.4.2014  Annual General Meeting of 

Bâloise Holding Ltd 

28.8.2014  Half-year financial results: 

conference call for analysts 
and the media

26.3.2015  Annual financial results:

media conference
conference call for analysts

30.4.2015  Annual General Meeting of 

Bâloise Holding Ltd

Corporate Governance
Baloise Group
Andreas Eugster
Aeschengraben 21
4002 Basel, Switzerland
+ 41 58 285 84 50
andreas.eugster@baloise.com

Investor Relations
Baloise Group
Marc Kaiser
Aeschengraben 21
4002 Basel, Switzerland
+ 41 58 285 81 81
investor.relations@baloise.com

Media Relations
Baloise Group 
Dominik Müller
Aeschengraben 21
4002 Basel, Switzerland
+ 41 58 285 84 67
media.relations@baloise.com

www.baloise.com

264

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BÂLOISE HOLDING LTD
Aeschengraben 21
CH-4002 Basel

www.baloise.com

Making you safer.