Quarterlytics / Financial Services / Insurance - Diversified / Tryg

Tryg

tgvsf · OTC Financial Services
Claim this profile
Ticker tgvsf
Exchange OTC
Sector Financial Services
Industry Insurance - Diversified
Employees 1001-5000
← All annual reports
FY2008 Annual Report · Tryg
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
A
n
n
u
a
l

R
e
p
o
r
t
2
0
0
8

Annual Report 2008

TrygVesta A/S

Klausdalsbrovej 601

DK-2750 Ballerup

TrygVesta@trygvesta.com

www.trygvesta.com

Phone +45 70 11 20 20 

CVR no. 26460212

Fax +45 44 20 66 00

 
 
TrygVesta A/S

TrygVesta 
Forsikring A/S

Vesta 
Skadeförsäkring
(Swedish branch)

TrygVesta Forsikring 
(Norwegian branch)

Nordea
Vahinkovakuutus
(Finnish branch)

Enter Forsikring AS
(Norwegian subsidiary)

Respons Inkasso AS
(Norwegian subsidiary)

Tryg
Ejendomme A/S

Ejendomsselskabet
af 8. maj 2008

Vesta
Eiendom AS
(Norwegian subsidiary)

Other real property
companies
(Norwegian subsidiaries)

TrygVesta
Garantiforsikring A/S
(Dansk Kaution)

TrygVesta Garanti
(Norwegian branch)

Vesta Garanti
(Swedish branch)

Vesta Garanti
(Finnish branch)

Group chart at 31 December 2008. Companies and branches are wholly-owned
by Danish owners and placed in Denmark unless otherwise stated.

Company

Branch

Editors: Investor Relations  

Design: Bysted A/S

Content and structure advice: Black Sun Plc London  

DTP: AMO design 

Printers: Centertryk

Paper: Munken Lynx

Photos: Mads Armgaard/gab.dk and Getty Images

TrygVesta wants to be perceived as the leading peace-of–mind  
provider in the Nordic region and our aim is to prevent concerns 
from overshadowing our customers’ lives. Throughout 2008,  
our 4,000 employees used our products and services to provide 
peace of mind on a daily basis to more than 2.2 million private  
customers and more than 100,000 businesses. 

We are the second-largest general insurer in the Nordic region  
with activities in Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden. We are  
the largest player in Denmark and Norway’s third largest player.  
We have operated our rapidly growing activities in Finland and  
Sweden since 2001 and 2006, respectively. 

TrygVesta’s insurance offering includes the following areas: liability, 
workers’ compensation, motor, building, contents, cargo, house, 
personal accident and health care. By far most of our customer  
relations are handled through our own channels. In addition,  
we have a strategic partnership with Nordea, the largest bank in  
the Nordic region. 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Profile l

1 of 152

Introduction to TrygVesta

2 of 152

l Introduction to TrygVesta l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

The future is now

“At TrygVesta, we are seeing major changes on several fronts.  
Businesses develop in global markets; life styles and social cultures  
are changing – and our customers make new demands on how  
we can  continue to provide peace of mind in their homes,  
at work and in their spare time. 
TrygVesta has launched a number of new projects requiring fresh 
 thinking, development and innovation, and  preparing us and our 
 customers for a changeable future. That’s why we say ‘the future is now’ 
with this year’s theme.”

Introduction to TrygVesta

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Introduction to TrygVesta l

3 of 152

Introduction to TrygVesta

Contents

Management’s report 
Introduction to TrygVesta 
Group overview 
Preface by Mikael Olufsen and Stine Bosse  
Financial highlights and key ratios of TrygVesta 
Highlights of 2008  

Markets and strategy 
The insurance industry in the Nordic region  
The Nordic insurance markets  
Our products 
Strategy  
Strategic themes  
Key performance indicators  
Financial outlook for 2009 

Results  
The Group’s financial performance in 2008 
Private & Commercial Denmark 
Private & Commercial Norway 
Finnish general insurance 
Swedish general insurance 
Corporate 
Investment activities 
Our customers  
Our employees  

Capitalisation and risk management 
Capitalisation and profit distribution   
Risk management 

Corporate governance 
Supervisory Board  
Group Executive Management 
Corporate governance  
Remuneration 
Shareholder information 

Accounts
Statement by the Supervisory Board and the Executive Management 
Independent auditors’ report 
Income statement and balance sheet – TrygVesta Group 
Statement of changes in equity – TrygVesta Group 
Cash flow statement – TrygVesta Group 
Notes 
Income statement and balance sheet – TrygVesta A/S (parent company) 
Statement of changes in equity (parent company) 
Notes (parent company) 
Financial highlights and key ratios by geography 

Glossary 
Organisation chart 

Inserts are placed in a separat pocket at the end of the Annual Report 2008

4 of 152

l Introduction to TrygVesta l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

Page
1
5
6
8
10

12
14 
17
20
22
25
26
28

32
34
39
43
46
48
50
52
55
58

60
62
65

74
76
78
80
85
87

91
92
93
96
98
99
138
140
141
146

148
150

 
Group overview

Per cent of  
total business

Principal 
activities 

PRIVATE  &  CO M M E RCIA L

CORPORATE

Denmark, Norway 

Denmark

Norway

Finland

Sweden

& Sweden

Read more on page 39

Read more on page 43

Read more on page 46

Read more on page 48

Read more on page 50

38%

27%

2%

1%

32%

Insurance to  
private individuals 
and small busi-
nesses. 

The branch was 
set up in 2001.

Insurance to pri-
vate individuals. 

The branch was 
set up in 2006.

Insurance to  
private individuals 
and small and  
medium-sized 
businesses. 

Insurance to  
private individuals 
and small and  
medium-sized 
businesses. 

Enter Forsikring, 
which sells insu-
rance to private  
individuals, is  
included in Private 
& Commercial  
Norway.

Insurance to cor-
porate customers. 
Corporate custo-
mers are customers 
paying annual  
premiums of more 
than DKK 900,000 
or having more 
than 50 employees. 
TrygVesta Garanti, 
the leading provider 
of guarantee insu-
rance, is included  
in Corporate. 

Employees*

1,861

1,230

180

120

700

Distribution 
channels

5 customer  
centres

3 regional  
customer centres

Nordea’s branches 

Nordea’s branches

Own sales force 

Own sales force

Own call centre

Insurance brokers

16 local service 
centres

35 local sales  
centres

Own call centre

Internet 

Own sales force

Own sales force

Car dealers

Internet

Car dealers

Real estate agents

Nordea’s branches

Affinity group

85 franchise  
offices

Car dealers

Nordea’s branches 

Affinity group

Strategic 
partnership

Brands

* Staff functions are distributed proportionately among the business areas.

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Introduction to TrygVesta l

5 of 152

 
 
Introduction to TrygVesta

Preface

2008 – A challenging year

due to sharp declines in equity returns. Profit for the year 

The year 2008 will go down in history as a year of financial 

after tax was DKK 846m, which exceeded expectations by 

crisis, a rapid slowdown in economic activity and difficult 

DKK 246m as set out in TrygVesta’s third quarter interim 

conditions for investors, borrowers and banks. Thanks to 

report. Based on our 2008 performance and the Group’s 

TrygVesta’s focus on profitable insurance operations, strong 

policy to distribute 50% of the profit for the year as cash 

market positions, conservative investment approach, 

dividend, the Supervisory Board recommends that dividends 

strong ownership structure and high competence level, 

be paid at the rate of DKK 6.50 per share. No share buy 

our business model proved its worth in difficult times, 

backs are planned based on the 2008 results.

thereby enabling TrygVesta to help provide peace of  

mind for customers, employees and shareholders alike.

Growth in 2008 was strengthened by continuing solid 

Strategy 

performances in Finland and Sweden and the introduction 

of a new customer system to promote sales in Norway. 

The performance of all TrygVesta’s four strategic themes  

Rising average prices indicate that growth and increasing 

– profitable growth, peace-of-mind delivery, self-service and 

profitability are in pipeline for the coming years. TrygVesta’s 

human competencies – continued to support a positive 

conservative investment policy and a reduced proportion of 

development. Growth in Finland and Sweden outperformed 

equities since mid-2007, our investment portfolio generated 

expectations. Product improvements such as the extended 

a positive return of 3.5% in 2008. 

roadside assistance product Udvidet Tryg Vejhjælp and the 

new building policy Ny Villaforsikring in Denmark enhanced 

Like in 2007, claims expenses continued to increase in 

our peace-of-mind delivery while the introduction of online 

2008, particularly with respect to buildings and health 

sales of travel insurance provided new self-service options. 

care. Consequently, we have implemented initiatives to 

The management and leadership development programmes 

ensure sustained profitability. Changed climate conditions 

we introduced in 2008 set the framework for even better 

impacted the 2008 performance less than had been 

qualifications and good business performance. 

expected. However, TrygVesta believes that the number  

of claims caused by changed precipitation and windstorm 

You can read more about TrygVesta’s strategy and strategic 

patterns will rise in the future.

focus areas in the section on Strategy on page 22. 

TrygVesta shares

TrygVesta’s performance in 2008 

The OMX C20 index including dividends fell by 46% and the 

Earned premiums at DKK 17,323m were 4.9% higher in local 

DJ Euro Insurance Index including dividends dropped 44% in 

currency terms, and the technical result was DKK 2,384m. 

2008. Despite these strong price declines the TrygVesta 

Profit before tax was down from DKK 3,109m to DKK 1,347m 

share yielded a total return of -12% including dividends. A 

6 of 152

l Introduction to TrygVesta l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

healthy insurance business and conservative investment 

are concerned, we have subscribed to the UN Global  

strategy were contributory factors in the relatively good  

Compact and the Carbon Disclosure Project. Our target 

performance of TrygVesta shares.  

is to reduce our CO2 emissions by 10% over two years. 

Strong Nordic organisation

Corporate governance

TrygVesta is a Nordic insurance group addressing the 

TrygVesta’s managers have a special duty to ensure  

entire Nordic market. That is why we implemented a  

that we continuously work towards our vision. In 2008 

new Nordic organisation on 1 January 2009 with clearly 

we continued to work with corporate governance and  

defined pan-Nordic responsibility and uniformity with 

our management profile. Among other initiatives, 192 

respect to sales, product development, claims handling,  

managers attended in-house development courses such 

IT systems and underwriting. Our intention is for the new 

as ‘Leading the Brand’ and ‘Managing with BSC’. We  

structure to contribute increased efficiency, innovation 

promote management behaviour supporting our corporate 

and earnings, thereby enhancing our market position.

vision, strategy and handshake, and going forward the 

At the same time, our new process-oriented organisation 

management profile will be implemented through “The  

creates good environments for the professional and  

Living House”, “The Living Organisation”, management 

personal development of our 4,000 employees, and we 

recruitment and talent development. 

intensify our in-house cooperation with a view to exploit-

ing our competencies in the best possible manner. We 

TrygVesta’s general management is described in the  

call our new structure “The Living Organisation”. It reflects 

section on Corporate governance on page 80. 

our corporate culture and to exploit it to the full, it ties in 

with “The Living House”, a change of our physical work-

Outlook for 2009 

ing environment designed to enhance innovation, devel-

For 2009, we expect 4% premium growth in local currency 

opment, knowledge-sharing and drive. 

terms as compared with the previous outlook of around 5% 

due to the adverse economic trends. On the earnings side, 

Peace-of-mind provider

we expect a combined ratio of 92 before run-off, a profit 

“The Living Organisation” and “The Living House” create 

after tax of DKK 1.3bn, and a return on equity of 14-16%.

an environment for producing new ideas and developing 

We base this outlook on a number of assumptions with 

them into profitable products and services supporting our 

respect to equity returns and interest rate levels. Due  

pan-Nordic peace-of-mind delivery and translatable into 

to the volatile financial markets, the impact on profit of 

our handshake – Dynamic, Compassionate and Innovative.

these fluctuations is subject to great uncertainty. The 

outlook for 2009 and the related assumptions are 

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

described in greater detail in the section on Financial  

CSR represents good business ethics and common sense 

outlook for 2009 on page 28.

and supports our business model. That is why we urge all 

TrygVesta managers and employees to commit themselves 

Recent years’ favourable performance will not make us 

to and familiarise themselves with the value of CSR.  

rest on our laurels. We have further potential for improve-

TrygVesta has drawn up a CSR declaration of intent, de- 

ment in many areas, and we will face a wide variety of 

fining our commitment and describing our responsibility in 

future challenges and opportunities to expand our peace-

relation to employees, customers and the external commu-

of-mind delivery and value creation. 

nity. For example we have employed maladjusted young 

people with an immigrant background in an attempt to 

We hope you will enjoy reading our annual report. 

give them better opportunities and to meet customer 

requirements for a broader customer service interface. 

However, we are cautious about new recruitments in order 

Mikael Olufsen 

to avoid subsequent dismissals. As far as climate issues 

Chairman 

Stine Bosse

Group CEO 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Introduction to TrygVesta l

7 of 152

Introduction to TrygVesta

Financial highlights and key ratios of TrygVesta

DKKm   

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

Income statement 
  Gross premiums earned 
  Gross claims incurred 
  Total insurance operating expenses 

  Profit/loss on gross business 
  Profit/loss on ceded business 
  Technical interest, net of reinsurance 

  Technical result 
  Return on investments after technical interest 
  Other income and expenses 

  Profit/loss for the year before tax 
  Tax 

15,266 
-10,425 
-2,611 

2,230 
-708 
185 

1,707 
371 
-26 

2,052 
-556 

  Profit/loss for the year, continuing business 
  Profit/loss on discontinued and divested business after tax 

1,496 
-75 

  Profit/loss for the period 

  Run-off gains/losses, net of reinsurance 
  Relative run-off gains/losses 

1,421 

-71 
-0.5 

  Balance sheet 
  Total provisions for insurance contracts * 
25,212 
  Total reinsurers’ share of provisions for insurance contracts  3,292 
6,802 
  Total shareholders’ equity 
37,824 
  Total assets 

  Key ratios 
  Gross claims ratio 
  Business ceded as a percentage of gross premiums 

  Claims ratio, net of ceded business 
  Gross expense ratio 

  Combined ratio 

  Claims ratio, net of reinsurance 
  Expense ratio, net of reinsurance 

  Combined ratio, net of reinsurance 

  Operating ratio 

  Gross expense ratio with adjustment ** 

68.3 
4.6 

72.9 
17.1 

90.0 

71.2 
17.6 

88.8 

89.0 

17.1 

15,705 
-11,159 
-2,662 

16,021 
-10,564 
-2,697 

16,606 
-11,175 
-2,769 

17,323
-11,766
-3,003

1,884 
-7 
170 

2,047 
894 
-28 

2,913 
-788 

2,125 
-28 

2,097 

283 
1.8 

26,757 
2,630 
8,215 
40,811 

71.1 
0.1 

71.2 
17.0 

88.2 

69.7 
17.6 

87.3 

87.1 

17.0 

2,760 
-591 
343 

2,512 
1,228 
-31 

3,709 
-624 

3,085 
126 

3,211 

555 
3.0 

25,957 
1,561 
9,951 
42,783 

65.9 
3.7 

69.6 
16.8 

86.4 

68.4 
17.2 

85.6 

84.6 

16.8 

2,662 
-343 
501 

2,820 
340 
-51 

3,109 
-842 

2,267 
-1 

2,266 

743 
3.6 

26,916 
1,587 
10,010 
43,830 

67.3 
2.1 

69.4 
16.7 

86.1 

68.1 
17.1 

85.2 

83.5 

16.7 

2,554
-669
499

2,384
-988
-49

1,347
-501

846
0

846

793
4.0

25,193
1,036
8,244
38,445

67.9
3.9

71.8
17.3

89.1

70.7
17.8

88.5

86.6

16.9

8 of 152

l Introduction to TrygVesta l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DKKm   

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

  Other data 
  Return on equity before tax and discontinued  
  and divested business (%) 
  Return on equity after tax and discontinued  
  and divested business (%) 
  Earnings per share, continuing business (DKK) 
  Net asset value per share (DKK) 
  Dividend per share (DKK) 
  Share price 31.12 (DKK) 
  Quoted price/net asset value 
  Price Earnings 
  Average number of shares (1,000) 
  Number of shares, year end (1,000) 
  Solvency 

33 

39 

41 

31 

15

23 
22.0 
100 
10 
- 
- 
- 
68,000 
68,000 
78 

28 
31.3 
121 
21 
319.2 
2.6 
10.2 
68,000 
68,000 
72 

35 
45.5 
147 
33 
431.5 
2.9 
9.5 
67,824 
67,790 
58 

23 
33.5 
148 
17 
388.0 
2.6 
11.6 
67,648 
67,638 
81 

9
12.8
128
6.5
328.0
2.6
25.7
66,184
64,378
100

  Number of full-time employees, end of period 
  Continuing business 
  Discontinued and divested business 

3,728 
34 

3,694 
24 

3,808 
0 

3,814 
0 

4,091
0

  *  The reduction from 2007 to 2008 is mainly caused by the decline in NOK versus DKK.

  **    In the calculation of the gross expense ratio with adjustment pursuant to the order issued by the Danish FSA, costs are stated  
exclusive of depreciation and operating costs on the owner-occupied property but including a calculated cost (rent) concerning  
the owner-occupied property based on a calculated market rent. 

 Other key ratios are calculated in accordance with ’’Recommendations & Financial Ratios 2005’’ issued by the Danish Society of  
Financial Analysts.

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Introduction to TrygVesta l

9 of 152

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Introduction to TrygVesta

Highlights of 2008 

M ARCH

J uNE

Leading the Brand 
192 managers with personnel responsibilities completed 
a Nordic development programme during the year. The 
programme Leading the Brand was a strategic initiative 
aimed at forging a closer link between managers’ role 
and TrygVesta’s vision, strategy and corporate values. In 
2009, TrygVesta intends to launch a further management 
development programme – Leading by Strategy, designed 
for managers who have managers reporting to them.

Self-service in Norway 
In Norway, TrygVesta’s customers were given the  
option to report claims electronically on the Internet. 
The option of electronic claims reporting means that 
customers’ claims are handled quicker, and it involves 
less forwarding of documents. This solution makes 
internal processes more efficient and creates potential 
for further automation efforts in claims handling. The 
option was received favourably by customers.

APRIL

AuGuST

SundPuls
TrygVesta launched a preventive health care product, 
called SundPuls. The product offers Danish businesses a 
thorough check of the state of their employees’ health. 
Based on the health check, each employee receives an 
individual action plan and the business receives an 
overall anonymised report. In addition, employees are 
offered advice on food, exercise, smoking and alcohol 
over the SundPuls telephone service and can read 
about health issues at the SundPuls Internet portal. 
Employees with special needs, for example substance 
abuse problems or a risk of lifestyle diseases, may be 
offered additional expert counselling. SundPuls is 
offered to businesses with more than 25 employees 
and the annual cost is DKK 895 per employee. 

New roadside assistance product in Denmark
TrygVesta extended its role as a peace-of-mind provider 
with the roadside assistance concept Tryg Vejhjælp in Den-
Antal
mark. Tryg Vejhjælp offers a loan car, towing, battery jump-
start and other services. The extended Tryg Vejhjælp pro-
duct also offers a taxi service, hotel accommodation, an 
annual safety check-up and a bi-annual change between 
snow tyres and summer tyres. Tryg Vejhjælp was added to 
the motor insurance coverage of some 300,000 concept 
customers in 2008 at no additional cost.  

EXTENDED TRYG VEJHJÆLP
Number of insurances

25,000

20,000

10,500

10,000

5,000

0

M AY

Q2

Q3

Q4

New international network partner 
TrygVesta and AXA Corporate Solutions signed a letter 
of intent to the effect that by 1 January 2009 TrygVesta 
would be using the international network of AXA Corpo-
rate Solutions to meet Nordic customers’ international 
insurance requirements. The AXA Corporate Solutions 
partnership makes TrygVesta part of a global network 

represented in more than 90 countries and with geo-
graphical coverage of 95% of the inhabited world. AXA 
is one of the world’s largest insurance companies.

10 of 152

l Introduction to TrygVesta l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

SEPTE M BER

Oslo achieves milestone 
Efforts to lift TrygVesta’s market share in Oslo were on 
track. TrygVesta’s shares of the private market in Oslo 
have been below those recorded in the rest of Norway. 
The goal is to lift TrygVesta’s share of the private mar-
ket in Oslo to the level of the rest of Norway by the end 
of 2011. 

The first milestone was to reverse the adverse trend  
in the Oslo area and lift sales, and in 2008 we out- 
performed the growth forecasts for the first time.  
TrygVesta is now the company that records the highest 
growth rates in the private lines in Oslo. In 2009,  
TrygVesta intends to focus on further increasing sales  
in Oslo to the private as well as the commercial market. 

Corporate in Sweden 
As a natural extension of the Group’s Nordic commit-
ment TrygVesta set up a Swedish corporate business, 
initially with an office in Stockholm. The Stockholm 
office will collaborate with already established under-
writing teams in Denmark and Norway to sell insurance 
to large customers in the Swedish business sector 
through insurance brokers.

Products initially offered to Swedish corporate  
customers include liability, consequential loss, building 
(property) and commercial cargo policies.

The office had a staff of five at 31 December 2008. 

NemKonto 
In Denmark, TrygVesta began transferring repayments 
from insurances automatically to customers’ NemKonto, 

an ordinary bank account, to which public authorities 
and businesses may transfer money. All Danish citizens 
have a NemKonto. 

TrygVesta used to send several hundred thousands 
of cheques to Danish customers each year. Using the 
NemKonto saves customers a trip to the bank, and  
TrygVesta disposes of the manual work of writing and 
sending cheques. 

Customers who do not want money paid into their 
NemKonto may still opt to receive a cheque. 

NOVE M B ER

Nordea partnership extended
TrygVesta and Nordea have extended the successful 
partnership, operated since 1999, to 2013. 

The partnership provides for Nordea to sell TrygVesta’s 
policies on a pan-Nordic basis in its branch network, and 
for TrygVesta to sell Nordea’s life and pension products 
in Denmark and Norway. The agreement also involves 
Nordea’s portfolio management of most of TrygVesta’s 
investment assets.

DECE M B ER

TrygVesta in European top league
Consulting firm Arthur D. Little concluded in a survey 
that Nordic insurance companies are the most cost- 
efficient in Europe. TrygVesta ranked four out of fifty 
companies.

The top-fifteen companies in Europe include nine  
Nordic-based companies. When comparing countries, 
Denmark came in one, Sweden two and Norway three.

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Introduction to TrygVesta l

11 of 152

 
Markets and strategy

12 of 152 l Markets and strategy l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

Markets and strategy

Global is the future

“TrygVesta’s share of the aggregate Nordic market is expected to rise 
in the years ahead, including from our rapidly growing market shares 
in Finland and Sweden. TrygVesta operates on a pan-Nordic scale, 
developing uniform sales channels, products and infrastructure. 
Our partnership with Nordea, developing our own sales channels and 
entering into partnership agreements with affinity groups and  
others enable us to reach wider circles of the Danish, Finnish, 
 Norwegian and Swedish insurance markets.”

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Markets and strategy l

13 of 152

Markets and strategy

The insurance industry in the Nordic region

The industry in general

although they were adversely impacted by the financial 

The Nordic insurance markets have a wide distribution of 

market turmoil. 

conventional insurance services such as motor, building, 

transport, workers’ compensation and personal accident 

insurance. Volume growth is largely in line with GDP plus 

Challenges

the impact of price changes over time. Profitability  

Insurance and economic downturn

fluctuates relative to claims expenses. 

The insurance industry is characterised by a robust underlying 

The Nordic market is characterised by direct sales of  

mind by agreement or because insurance is required by law. 

business because consumers and businesses buy peace of 

insurances to private and commercial customers. Large 

corporate customers are approached either directly by the 

An economic downturn will, however, generally result in 

insurer or through an insurance broker. Customer contacts 

weaker growth as car and real estate sales decline. Likewise, 

are based on telephone sales, insurers, insurance brokers, 

the number of commercial policies and workers’ compensa-

bancassurance and, on a smaller scale, via the Internet.

tion policies will be affected by cyclical trends. These factors 

are to some extent offset by ongoing price increases. 

The price of an insurance product is determined on the basis 

of estimated claims expenses, selling costs and administra-

Historically, weaker economic activity has generally not had 

tive expenses, and the desired level of profitability.

an adverse impact on claims due to the combined effect of 

more cautious behaviour, lower mileage and the possibility 

The Nordic insurance industry generated aggregate 

of cheaper claims procurement. Furthermore, prior periods 

estimated earned premiums of around DKK 140bn in 

of weak economic activity have only to a limited extent 

2008 and accounted for some 1.8% of the region’s 

been characterised by unusual increases in the number of, 

total GDP. The market is characterised by a few large 

for example, burglaries and fraudulent claims. 

companies holding relatively large market shares com-

pared with other countries. The four largest companies 

Competition in the Nordic insurance industry 

in each country thus accounted for a total market  

All the large Nordic insurance groups focus on operating 

share of between 64% and 87%. As the large compa-

their insurance business in a profitable and financially healthy 

nies also work on a pan-Nordic scale, the four largest 

way, and for the industry as a whole the past few years have 

insurers account for a total market share of around 

therefore represented a stable and profitable period. Compe-

46% in the Nordic region. In 2008, the large companies 

tition can roughly be classified as price competition and ser-

of the Nordic insurance industry reported sustained 

vice competition. Small insurers have in recent years chosen 

good core earnings from their insurance operations, 

to apply lower prices as a means of attracting customers, 

14 of 152

l Markets and strategy l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
while the large companies have focused on service and 

the adverse impact which losses on securities have on a 

extended coverage. The competitive environment in each 

company’s investment performance and capitalisation. 

of the markets is described in more detail on page 17 in 

the section on The Nordic insurance markets.

The poor investment performance and in many cases lower 

equity will in the years ahead force players with inadequate 

Investment performance

financial strength to increase their earnings from insurance 

All insurance companies have investment portfolios con-

operations considerably, which will mainly be from prices. 

sisting of funds dedicated to payment of claims at a later 

date. Such portfolios are generally invested in equities, 

TrygVesta has no structured financial products or hedge 

real estate and bonds, but some industry players have 

funds, and the proportion of equities in the investment 

also chosen to invest portfolios in hedge funds and struc-

portfolio was reduced already in 2007 and early in 2008. 

tured financial products. Interim reports published by the 

Furthermore, the bond portfolio consists of liquid, ordi-

Nordic insurance companies in 2008 clearly demonstrated 

nary bonds with an average maturity of two years. 

TOTAL MARKET SIZE
DENMARK EUR 6.2BN

TOTAL MARKET SIZE
NORWAY EUR 4.7BN

27.3%

20.6%

13.2%

9.8%

17.8%

4.9%

3.4%

14.0%

30.1%

29.1%

10.3%

19.5%

TrygVesta

If

Alka

Codan

Topdanmark

Alm. Brand

Other

TrygVesta

If

Gjensidige

Sparebank

Other

TOTAL MA RKET SIZE
FINLAND EUR 3.2BN 

TOTAL MARKET SIZE
SWEDEN EUR 6.2BN

1.4%

16.8%

25.7%

0.4%

18.6%

19.6%

10.0%

18.3%

13.9%

30.3%

27.8%

17.2%

TrygVesta

If

Pohjola

Tapiola

Fennia

Other

Vesta

If

Länsforsk.

Codan

Folksam

Other

Source: Data based on national statistics and most recent published financial statements for the largest companies.

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Markets and strategy l

15 of 152

Markets and strategy

The Nordic labour markets 

The market is nevertheless seeing healthy growth with poli-

In the years up to 2008, the entire Nordic region was chal-

cies being regarded as a supplement to the public system.

lenged by a shortage of labour, partly due to wage pres-

sure and partly due to difficulties in attracting and retain-

Climate change 

ing labour. However, 2008 marked a shift towards rising 

Insurance companies are, naturally, greatly impacted by 

unemployment and, probably, lower rates of wage increases. 

weather related claims. The climate has warmed in the Nor-

In the longer term, however, businesses face a number  

dic region, and it is expected generally to become warmer, 

of challenges with the large post-war generation retiring 

damper and windier, thereby likely to increase claims 

from the labour market and being replaced by the much 

expenses. TrygVesta regularly assesses the risk of changed 

smaller number of young people born in the 1980s and 

claims patterns in order to price policies such as building 

1990s. This is one of the reasons why governments in 

and house insurance correctly. However, climate change 

the Nordic countries seek to increase the supply of 

also presents opportunities as we can advise customers on 

labour, for example by enhancing integration and lifting 

how to prevent damage, and we adapt our coverage in 

employment rates among immigrants from non-Western 

order to reduce customers’ concerns. 

countries. Read about a new integration initiative and 

other initiatives on page 59. 

Implementation of Solvency II 

Opportunities 

TrygVesta has in recent years prepared for the new EU Sol-

vency II regime, which will impact the capital structure of 

insurance companies and impose stricter requirements with 

Claims procurement

respect to risk management and risk control skills. TrygVesta 

Recent years’ strong economic activity has increased 

has applied an internal capital model (ALM) since 2002 as  

claims expenses due to higher wages and higher costs  

the basis for calculating the individual solvency need, supple-

of materials. The weaker economic activity in 2009 will 

mented by qualitative assessments of selected risk scenarios 

probably improve procurement conditions for companies 

from the Group’s in-house risk management environment.  

focusing on procurement management. For many suppli-

The Solvency II regime will require enhanced expertise and 

ers, insurance companies are a stable and attractive busi-

core competencies, thereby potentially leading to greater con-

ness partner due to the steady procurement of goods 

solidation in the market due to smaller players’ need for and 

and services in connection with claims. This applies  

lack of resources to meet the new sophisticated requirements.

especially in periods of slowing economic activity. 

Private health care insurance 

The market for private health care insurance has grown 

strongly in the Nordic region in recent years, and particularly 

in Denmark. The Nordic welfare model is well developed, 

but as far as health care is concerned, an increased strain 

on public hospitals and the desire for shorter treatment 

times have triggered a requirement for private treatment, 

and private health care insurance is one way to meet this. 

Growth exceeded 70% in 2008. The strong growth was 

Solvency II

Column 1
(Quantitative 
requirements / 
standard model)

Column 2
(Supervision / 
Individual model)

Column 3
(Disclosure 
requirements)

For a number of  

years TrygVesta has 

worked with an  

internal capital model 

(ALM), which is used 

attributable to an increasing number of companies offering 

TrygVesta participates  

for calculating the 

health care insurance in their pay packages. TrygVesta 

expects the total market for health care insurance in Denmark 

to exceed one million policies in 2009. The Norwegian 

in QIS calculations  

individual solvency 

on ongoing basis. 

needs, and has  

Most recently QIS4 

establish its own  

from 2008

risk environment.

market for health care insurance is smaller than the Danish 

QIS is a term for quantitative studies about the effect from new 

market due to the strong public focus on health and welfare. 

EU solvency requirements.

16 of 152

l Markets and strategy l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
The Nordic insurance markets 

Competitor behaviour

The aggressive market behaviour of small and medium-

The Nordic insurance markets are characterised by the 

sized insurers from 2005 to 2008 is expected to be 

customer’s direct contact to the insurance company and 

replaced by endeavours to strike a good balance between 

large market players, and by large insurers focusing on 

price and risk in the years ahead. The price changes 

profitability. Insurers compete on price as well as on con-

already announced will gradually feed through as gross 

tent and service.

premiums earned in 2009 and 2010.

The situation is expected to change in 2009 and 2010  

No new players entered the Danish private market in 2008. 

as price competition becomes less important due to  

As regards the commercial and corporate market, a foreign 

an increased requirement for capital among companies 

group opened an office while another announced an 

whose capital was reduced in 2008 as a result of losses 

intention to offer insurance to large businesses.

on securities, unprofitable insurance operations and  

the upcoming tighter solvency rules with larger capital 

Norway

requirements. There is a good probability that the market 

Competition in the private and commercial markets in 

will see reduced price competition from small and medium-

Norway in 2008 was dominated by rising claims expenses 

sized companies which have extensively used low prices 

and a need to increase prices in order to sustain profita-

as a marketing tool in recent years.

bility. The years 2003-2006 saw unusually low claims 

Denmark

expenses, triggering a fall in the prices of a number of 

main products. However, the underlying claims inflation 

Competition in Denmark from 2005 to 2008 was domi-

continued to rise, and since mid-2007 average prices 

nated by aggressive price-driven behaviour by a number 

have gone up. Price competition in the form of bundling 

of small and medium-sized companies. Claims expenses 

discounts is used extensively in the Norwegian mass 

were low in those years, permitting market players to  

market because it enhances loyalty, while the use of 

use increased earnings for competitive purposes. Rising 

introductory discounts offering lower prices to new cus-

claims expenses and losses on securities caused price 

tomers than to existing customers has declined. TrygVesta 

competition to subside during 2008. Several companies 

operates a principle of price transparency for all custom-

announced premium increases during 2008 as earnings 

ers and accordingly does not use introductory discounts. 

came under pressure. For many Danish insurers, rising 

claims expenses and declining premiums triggered an 

adverse combined ratio performance in 2008. 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Markets and strategy l

17 of 152

 
Markets and strategy

Small Norwegian insurers have increased their market 

By international standards, customers in the Finnish mar-

share in recent years at the expense of larger companies. 

ket are among the most loyal insurance customers with 

The small players can be divided into two groups: 

average relations to their insurer of more than ten years. 

1)  companies offering a full product portfolio to the  

private market; and 

TrygVesta has been an active player in the Finnish market 

2)  niche companies focusing on specific insurances to  

since 2001, and has built a portfolio of DKK 432m  

a segment or specific geographical areas. 

(EUR 58m).

Some of the small companies are expected to retain their 

Sweden

growth ambitions despite difficult conditions for invest-

The Swedish market is generally characterised by being 

ment portfolios, although all market players are assumed 

served by call centres. TrygVesta is growing rapidly in the 

to focus on profitable growth and capital.

Swedish market, partly thanks to the bancassurance part-

nership with Nordea and partly to active additional sales 

New insurers in the market originate from the banking 

to new customers through the company’s own call cen-

sector, but the challenges facing financial institutions in 

tre. The partnership with Nordea has contributed to a 

2008 are assumed to impact those competitor’s capital 

quick penetration in Sweden where bancassurance is a 

requirements, hence reducing their incentive to expand 

fairly new concept. 

unprofitably into new areas in the short and medium term.

Finland 

In line with trends in the other Nordic markets, the 

underlying claims performance requires price increases in 

Competition in Finland in 2008 was marked by rising 

order for profitability to be maintained, and TrygVesta has 

claims expenses and a consequent need among the large 

scheduled price increases in 2009.

insurers to increase prices. Bancassurance is common in 

Finland, and TrygVesta/Nordea has two competitors 

TrygVesta has been an active player in the Swedish mar-

where the insurance company is part of a banking group. 

ket since 2006, and has built a portfolio of DKK 259m 

2009 is expected to see rising prices in order to offset 

(SEK 380m).

the impact of higher claims expenses on profitability, and 

TrygVesta has scheduled price increases for 2009.

PREMIUM GROWTH

COMBINED RATIO 

%

15

8

9

6

3

0

-3

-6

100

96

92

88

84

80

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008*

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008*

TrygVesta

Gjensidige (estimated/adjusted for 

TrygVesta

Gjensidige

If

aquisition in 2007 and 2008)

Codan

If

Codan (Combined operating ratio)

* Latest published interim report before 3 March 2009

* Latest published interim report before 3 March 2009

18 of 152

l Markets and strategy l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
Corporate

TrygVesta in 2009

TrygVesta’s corporate business has grown since 2006. 

Being the second-largest insurance group in the Nordic 

The corporate market is characterised by medium-sized 

region, TrygVesta has in-depth knowledge of and closely 

and large businesses served directly by the insurer or 

follows up on developments in the market. As described 

through an insurance broker. Large customers in particu-

earlier, an economic downturn and declining investment 

lar see international insurance groups as an alternative to 

portfolio values are likely to cause a number of players in 

the Nordic insurance companies. In a historical perspec-

the Nordic markets to change their behaviour in various 

tive, however, international groups have only to a small 

respects. As things stand early in 2009 it is still too early 

extent been able to win market shares. 

to draw conclusions about the consequences the develop-

Like in 2008, players are expected to see a good deal  

to seize any opportunities that contribute to profitable 

ments might have on market shares, but TrygVesta intends 

of change in 2009. TrygVesta began offering corporate 

growth. 

insurance to the Swedish market in 2008. A business 

partnership with AXA Corporate Solutions meets Nordic 

TrygVesta’s share of the overall Nordic market is expected 

customers’ insurance requirements outside the Nordic 

to rise in the years ahead simply as a result of the rapidly 

region and AXA customers’ insurance needs in the Nordic 

growing market shares in Finland and Sweden. In addition 

region. Furthermore, Allianz has announced a partnership 

to the Nordea partnership, TrygVesta is establishing own 

with Topdanmark for selling workers’ compensation insu-

sales channels and other partnerships, for example with 

rance in Denmark, and Zürich Versicherung intends to offer 

affinity groups, thereby gaining a broader foothold in the 

direct and broker-based insurance to large corporate cus-

Finnish and Swedish insurance markets.

tomers throughout the Nordic region. Finally, the financial 

turmoil seen in 2008 should be expected to induce some 

In the Danish and Norwegian markets, TrygVesta aims  

of the international groups experiencing challenges in 

to retain and develop our market position through our 

respect of their capital strength to reconsider the value 

behaviour, by striking a good balance between price and 

of having a presence in the Nordic market. 

risk, and by offering dynamic, compassionate and innova-

tive service to our customers, in claims situations as well 

as the ongoing follow-up. 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Markets and strategy l

19 of 152

Markets and strategy

Our products

Motor insurance

House contents insurance 

Motor insurance accounts for 32% of total premiums 

House contents insurance accounts for 6% of total premiums 

earned by the Group. A motor insurance policy consists  

earned by the Group. A contents insurance policy provides 

of mandatory third party liability comprehensive cover 

cover for the loss of, or damage to, the contents of private 

and cover for the motorist’s own vehicle. The mandatory 

dwellings with a range of additional features, such as 

third party liability insurance provides cover against lia-

cover for valuables temporarily located away from the 

bility for injuries to a third party and damage to a third  

home, legal expenses and liability arising from occupancy 

party’s property. The comprehensive vehicle insurance, 

of a building.

which is voluntary, provides cover for the motorist’s own 

vehicle, for example in connection with collisions, fire 

Personal accident insurance 

damage and theft. Motor insurance is written for passen-

Personal accident insurance contributes 10% of total  

ger cars, motorcycles, mopeds, caravans, lorries, buses 

premiums earned by the Group. A personal accident 

and trailers. Motor policies taken out by TrygVesta’s con-

insurance policy provides cover against accidental bodily 

cept customers in Denmark include roadside assistance, 

injury or death. The policy may be taken out with full-time 

including services such as towing and battery jump-start, 

or spare-time cover. Coverage and sums insured are  

at no additional charge. 

Building insurance 

Building insurance accounts for 11% of total premiums 

TRYGV ESTA – PRE M IU M S BY PROD UCT

earned by the Group. A building policy covers damage  

to the policyholder’s house caused by events such as fire 

and storm and water damage. The policy also provides 

legal expenses cover and covers the policyholder’s liabil-

ity as the owner of a building. 

TrygVesta introduced a new, extended building insurance 

policy in Denmark in November 2008, designed to provide 

enhanced peace of mind to customers. It includes, among 

other features, a new and extended water damage cover-

age. The price of the new, enhanced building insurance is 

higher than previously and differentiated relative to cus-

tomers’ risk profiles based on strong statistical material. 

10%

4%

9%

10%

4%

32%

11%

14%

6%

Motor

Buildings

Professional liability

Transport and marine

Contents

Accident

Other

Property, commercial

Workers’ compensation

20 of 152

l Markets and strategy l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

tailored to customer requirements. Compensation is in 

conduct of its business or in connection with its products, 

the form of a lump sum intended to help the policyholder 

professional liability incurred by professionals such as 

cope with the financial consequences of an accident, 

lawyers and engineers arising from negligence, and direc-

thereby easing the strain of a changed everyday life. 

tors’ and officers’ liability with respect to claims against 

board members and key personnel arising from negligent 

Many children are not covered by accident insurance.  

conduct.

TrygVesta therefore intends to make a special effort in 

2009 to market this policy to parents. Profitability in the 

Transport and marine insurance

personal accident business will furthermore be enhanced 

Transport and marine insurance accounts for 4% of total 

by various initiatives in 2009. 

premiums earned by the Group. A marine insurance policy 

Property – commercial insurance 

factors including fire, collision, sinking and third-party  

covers damage to the policyholder’s vessel caused by  

Commercial insurance comprises Property and accounts 

liability. 

for 14% of total premiums earned by the Group. A com-

mercial insurance policy provides cover for the loss of, 

A transport insurance policy covers damage to the policy-

or damage to, the buildings, inventory or equipment of 

holder’s dispatched goods caused by for example collision, 

commercial customers. In addition, TrygVesta provides 

capsizing or crashing.

cover for financial loss due to business interruption 

resulting from covered claims.

Other products, including health care insurance 

Other products include coverage in connection with 

Workers’ compensation insurance 

change of home ownership, unemployment insurance, 

9% of total premiums earned by the Group is attributable 

health care insurance, travel insurance, insurance for 

to workers’ compensation insurance. A workers’ compen-

summer cottages and pleasure boats, and insurance 

sation policy provides cover for employees against bodily 

for pets. 

injury sustained at work and, in Norway, also occupational 

diseases. This insurance is mandatory for all employers 

Health care insurance, which is a relatively new product  

and covers their employees, except for public employees 

in the market, experiences strong demand. A health care 

and those employed by sole proprietorships. 

insurance policy covers expenses involved in examination, 

treatment, medicine, surgery and rehabilitation in a pri-

Proactive claims handling is a focus area for TrygVesta, 

vate health care facility. The sustained increase in living 

which pursues a close dialogue with the claimant to opti-

standards has raised expectations with respect to services 

mise claims handling. We have set up a proactive claims 

to be provided by the public health care services, and not 

handling team consisting of claims handlers, social coun-

least the quality of such services. Combined with increas-

sellors, legal experts, occupational health practitioners, 

ing health care costs and waiting times in the public sys-

orthopaedic surgeons and a network of psychologists. 

tem, citizens’ higher requirements have generated sub-

Proactive claims handling has three winners: the busi-

stantial demand for health care policies, and this demand 

ness, the injured person and TrygVesta in the form of  

is expected to continue in the years ahead. The greater 

a shorter period of absence from work, enhanced self- 

number of insured persons and the increased use of the 

esteem for the injured person and reduced expenses.

private health care policies will together generate signifi-

cant growth potential within health care insurance.

Professional liability insurance

Professional liability insurance accounts for 4% of total 

premiums earned by the Group. A professional liability 

insurance policy provides cover for various types of liability, 

such as claims incurred by a company arising from the 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Markets and strategy l

21 of 152

Markets and strategy

Strategy 

TrygVesta’s vision is supported by our ongoing assess-

Profitable growth

ment and adaptation of our strategy, and it is imple-

Emphasising that overall growth should be profitable 

mented through our activities and action plans. 

increases our focus on profitable pricing and on managing 

relative costs, as is also reflected by the change of our 

Our efforts to implement the strategy in all relevant processes 

strategic theme ‘growth’ to ‘profitable growth’ in 2008. 

such as budgeting, marketing, utilisation of capital and IT are 

We generated 4.9% growth in local currency terms in 

clearly and firmly anchored, and the work is organised to a 

2008 with a combined ratio of 89.1 (93.7 before run-off). 

defined schedule with general targets and sub-targets. 

THE STRATEGY PLAN CONTAINS  

FOuR STRATEGIC THEMES

  Profitable growth

  Peace-of-mind delivery

  Self-service

  Human competencies

We intend to maintain and strengthen our market position 

in the Nordic region with due consideration to earnings. 

We intend to enhance our sales power by adapting our 

sales channels and insurance terms and conditions and by 

creating entirely new solutions to specific geographical 

areas with a market potential, such as the so-called Oslo 

project. Our core focus will be on insurance operations 

and capital utilisation in our general efforts with respect 

to value creation, including knowing the value of individual 

customers and the financial performance of our distribu-

tion channels and claims handling centres.

All sub-targets, activities and action plans contributing to 

In Denmark and Norway, where we are the number one and 

the general strategic target and the strategic themes are 

number three player, respectively, in terms of market posi-

typically based on meeting customer requirements and 

tion, we are making adjustments to where and how custom-

expectations. In practice, the strategy is pursued by 

ers meet us and to the products and coverage required by 

means of improving day-to-day operations, increasing 

individual customers. Thus we enhanced our motor policy 

productivity, enhancing the quality of our customer service 

for concept customers in 2008 by adding the Tryg Vejhjælp 

with respect to sales and claims, simplifying processes 

roadside assistance feature at no extra cost, but with 

and making our communications with customers more 

add-on options. We still have relatively modest market 

understandable. The strategic efforts are planned and 

shares in Finland and Sweden where we focus strongly on 

managed centrally, but with clearly defined ownership of 

sales. The Finnish sales channels were extended by an  

current improvements in the relevant areas. 

outbound call centre and our own sales force, and sales in 

2008 were the highest since the beginning of 2002.

22 of 152

l Markets and strategy l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

MISSION
Our mission is to secure a stable, high-quality supply of
products and services offering peace of mind to private 
households and businesses

VISION
We want to be percieved as the leading peace-of-mind
provider in the Nordic region

We continuously seek to have efficient claims handling 

peace-of-mind delivery is even more relevant in periods 

procedures, always enabling us to provide high quality at 

of uncertainty because an unforeseen expense or event 

a low cost. We do this by making claims handling processes 

that changes everyday life for the claimant may have 

more efficient on an ongoing basis and by joint procure-

greater consequences than would otherwise be the case.  

ment so that our customers get a quality experience. 

TrygVesta’s peace-of-mind delivery aims to alleviate  

customer concerns, and we do this by offering easy 

Sales costs and administrative expenses in all business 

access, clear communication, easy-to-understand  

areas and staff functions are regularly reviewed in order 

coverage and remedying if a claim occurs.

to reduce unnecessary processes and costs, thereby 

gradually reduce relative costs over time. A number  

In 2008, the results of our strategic efforts with respect 

of our strategic action plans are also intended to  

to the peace-of-mind delivery included that we simplified 

contribute to this area.

our communications with customers, written as well as 

oral. Our corporate values – Compassionate, Dynamic and 

Segmentation or structured and consistent use of cus-

Innovative – are reflected in our products and our com-

tomer data will enable us to prioritise and adapt products 

munications with customers. We changed the contents of 

and service efforts to individual customer needs. We are 

our Danish building policies in 2008 to provide extended 

in the process of refining our segmentation. When fully 

coverage for precipitation claims caused by changed cli-

implemented, it will provide tools for enhanced customer 

matic conditions, thereby meeting our customers’ need 

loyalty and satisfaction and generate good opportunities 

for peace of mind. 

for additional sales, thereby supporting profitable growth. 

We are in the process of simplifying our written commu-

The peace-of-mind delivery

nications, including letters, brochures and policy texts to 

Our peace-of-mind delivery ensures that our customers’ 

the mass market, targeting them to customer segments 

needs are met in the best possible way before, during and 

and bringing them closer to customers. The intention is 

after they have a claim. Our insurance products and con-

for customers to perceive our communications as relevant 

cepts build on advice intended to help prevent claims 

and understandable. Enhanced customer communication 

events from arising. Should an event nevertheless occur, 

is also part of the strategic theme – self-service. 

the customer has a sudden need for coverage and service 

such as repairs or replacement purchases. 

Self-service

A period of economic downturn is a challenge for  

self-service options will meet many customers’ needs and 

many individuals and businesses. Accordingly, our  

wishes to deal with insurance matters at their own pace 

Our values are based on quality and simplicity. Online 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Markets and strategy l

23 of 152

Markets and strategy

and whenever it suits them best, the same way as many 

reflects that we understand and respect that people are 

people now handle their banking matters, travels and 

the most important resource in a successful organisation.

purchases of books, electronic products and the like. 

Lean is a process driven and customer oriented review of 

Online self-service means that customers handle their 

work processes and routines for the purpose of reducing 

own business, and that the underlying processes and 

waste and free resources, making room for development, 

products automatically generate policies with the desired 

innovation and more efficient work routines. Our Lean 

contents, or that claims handling is automated. Self- 

efforts were launched in 2007 with three projects, and 16 

service options include policy changes, service, advice, 

projects were implemented in 2008. 28 new projects are 

claims handling and purchase of insurances.

scheduled for 2009. 

We already offer various online service options, but this 

As an example, Lean has been implemented in our Private 

only amounts to a small proportion of our total business 

underwriting departments, reducing handling times by more 

processes. In order to fully exploit online insurance  

than 50% for several tasks within a few weeks. Further-

servicing a number of processes and product contents 

more, employee satisfaction has increased, and the day- 

have to be adjusted to facilitate end-to-end processes. 

to-day collaboration with Sales and Customer Service has 

grown much stronger. These factors have also contributed 

Our existing solutions comprise sales in Sweden and Finland, 

to the growing customer satisfaction. The experience 

sales of travel insurance, and an option for commercial cus-

gained in Private underwriting will now be deployed in  

tomers to report changes to the persons covered by work-

other departments.

ers’ compensation insurance and changes to their car fleet. 

The management academy was set up in 2008, aiming to 

Customers currently have online access to an overview of 

induce all TrygVesta managers to work in line with the 

their policies in Denmark. Further to this, e-mail and text 

Group’s corporate values. A total of 192 managers attended 

messages will become natural communication platforms 

development training in 2008. Systematic follow-up and 

with customers together with a personal space on our 

development of the Group’s managers will be implemented 

website, to be accessed by mobile or via the Internet.

in 2009, making them ambassadors for our corporate values 

in relation to employees and the external community.

In 2009, online claims reporting will become available for 

private customers in Norway. Customers in Denmark will 

“The Living House”, a means to fully exploit the synergies 

be able to buy the most common policies, such as motor, 

anticipated from project “The Living Organisation”, will  

contents and building, and in a few years’ time, custom-

create a new environment in the workplace, intended to 

ers will have a full self-service option for changing their 

further enhance creative thinking and innovation.

policies and for reporting and handling claims.

The transition to more self-service options will contribute 

to the ongoing adjustment of costs of sales, administra-

tive expenses and claims handling costs as well as to 

enhancing customer loyalty and satisfaction. 

Human competencies

In order to be an attractive partner for customers and 

employees alike, employees need to develop and be com-

passionate, and as an organisation we should live up to 

our vision. Our strategic focus on human competencies 

24 of 152

l Markets and strategy l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

Organisational change in 2009
Effective as at 1 January 2009, the organisational 
change helps embed the four strategic themes more 
clearly as ownership to the work processes and rou-
tines that support each strategic theme is more clearly 
defined. The organisational change will facilitate better 
utilisation of pan-Nordic synergies within efficient sales 
processes, customer service, product development, risk 
selection and procurement/service in claims handling.

Strategic themes 

PROFITAB LE G ROWT H

SELF-SERVI CE

We intend to secure the right balance between growth 
and earnings in all our initiatives. 

We intend to meet customers on their own terms.

Initiatives and results in 2008 
•  growing market shares
•  Swedish part of the Corporate business 
•  Oslo efforts
•   health care – treatment insurance in Norway,  

SundPuls in Denmark 
•  mergers & acquisitions 

Goals and projects for 2009-10 
•  annual premium growth in excess of market growth
•  to increase Nordic market share 
•   to increase share of the private market in Finland  

and Sweden (2012) to 8%

Initiatives and results in 2008 
•   e-boks & Net ID/Digital signature
•   new intranet
•   pipeline of new web initiatives 
•   efficiency improvements through Lean and  

new IT systems

Goals and projects for 2009-10 
•   operational self-service platform
•   handling of motor claims in Denmark

THE PEACE-O F-M IND DELIVERY

Hu M A N CO M P ETEN CI ES

Our customers should be confirmed in their choice  
of insurer on an ongoing basis. 

We intend to focus on our employees and to be an 
attractive workplace. 

Initiatives and results in 2008 
•  increase customer loyalty
•   satisfaction with claims handling
•   risk consultancy for corporate customers
•   simplified customer communications
•   segmentation/customer commitment 

Goals and projects for 2009-10
•   to enhance customer loyalty
•   to increase the proportion of concept customers
•   to increase the retention rate

Initiatives and results in 2008 
•  “ The Living House” 
•   lower rates of employee turnover and sickness absence 
•   Leading the Brand training
•  Managing by BSC
•   Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) 
•   Lean

Goals and projects for 2009-10 
•   to reduce CO2 consumption by 5% annually 
•   to be the most attractive workplace in the financial 

sector in the Nordic region

•   to increase the proportion of employees with an  

ethnic background 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Markets and strategy l

25 of 152

 
Markets and strategy

Key performance indicators 2008

Turning words into results

We use the balanced scorecard (BSC) to implement the Group’s strategy and retain our strategic focus areas. 

Note: 2001 = 100 for indexed indicators

T
R
E
N
D

D
E
S
C
R

I
P
T
I

O
N

G
O
A
L
S

A
N
A
L
Y
S
I
S

PRO FI TAB LE G ROWTH

THE PEACE-OF-M IN D DEL IVERY

FINA NCIAL PERSPECTIVE

CuSTO M E R PE RSPECTIVE

Return on equity 

Combined ratio

Expense ratio 

Customer loyalty

Number of custo-

after tax (%)

(Index)

mers with concept 

agreements (Index)

2008: 

9

2008:  89.1

2008:  16.7*

2008:  118

2008:  110

 2004  2005  2006 2007

 2004  2005  2006 2007

 2004  2005  2006 2007

 2004  2005  2006 2007

 2004  2005  2006 2007

  23 

28 

35 

23 

 90.0  88.2   86.4   86.1

 17.1  17.0  16.8  16.7

  109  109  112  110

  106  108  108  108

Profit after tax divided 

The ratio of the 

Administrative  

The proportion of  

Index showing the 

by equity

technical result 

expenses and sales 

100 customers staying 

proportion of our 

exclusive of technical 

costs as a percentage 

on with the company 

private customers 

interest to earned 

of earned premiums

after one year

having made a  

premiums

multiple product/

concept agreement 

with TrygVesta

21-23% annually

89-91 in the medium 

16.5 with a slowly 

Retain in Denmark 

To gradually improve

term

falling trend

and improve in Norway

Return on equity  

A ratio of 89.1 was 

The expense ratio for 

Retained in Denmark  

This group in- 

was 9% in 2008.  

achieved for the  

2008 was in line with 

as expected, higher-

creased following  

The relatively low 

year due to lower- 

expectations when 

than-expected  

the introduction of 

achievement level  

than-expected  

adjusted for expenses 

increase in Norway  

more peace-of-mind 

was attributable to 

claims expenses

for ”The Living House”

due to for example 

deliveries for  

capital losses on 

securities

improved customer 

concept customers

loyalty in the Oslo 

region

*   The cost ratio was 17.3 

including costs related to 

”The Living House”

26 of 152

l Markets and strategy l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
SELF-SERVICE

Hu M AN CO M PE TENCIES

PRO CE SS PERSPECTIVE

LE ARNING PERSPECTIVE

Portfolio per full-time employee 

Customer satisfaction in claims 

Employee satisfaction

(Index)

handling (Index)

(Index) 

2008:   134

2008:  N/A

2008: 

 100

 2004  2005  2006 2007

2004  2005  2006 2007

2004  2005  2006 2007

  129  133  131  139

  104  105  107  105

  105  N/A  102  100

Index of portfolio  

size per employee

Index of customer satisfaction for 

Index of employee satisfaction  

customers having experienced claims 

measured in an annual employee  

handling

survey

To increase in line with productivity,  

To gradually enhance loyalty and 

To be the most attractive workplace  

approximately 2% annually

satisfaction

in the financial sector in the Nordic 

region

The portfolio per employee decreased  

The 2008 survey has too few answers  

Employee satisfaction is among 

in 2008 by 5% points due to the decline  

to give an accurate result

the highest in the financial sector 

of NOK relative to DKK

in the Nordic region 

T
R
E
N
D

D
E
S
C
R

I
P
T
I

O
N

G
O
A
L
S

A
N
A
L
Y
S
I
S

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Markets and strategy l

27 of 152

 
 
Markets and strategy

Financial outlook for 2009

DKKm 

Interest rate level 
Exchange rate DKK/NOK 
Premium growth* 
Technical result before run-off 
Technical result after run-off 
Investment result 
Profit before tax  
Profit after tax  
Combined ratio 

Actual 
2008 

Mid-February 
2009** 

Favourable  Negative
scenario

scenario 

Outlook 2009

4.9% 
1,591 
2,384 
-988 
1,347 
846 
89.1 

3.93%
0.85
4% 
1,500 
1,500 
300 
1,800 
1,300 
92 

1,650 

1,350

1,400 
91 

1,200
93

*   In local currency    
**  Since the autumn of 2008, changes in interest rates and exchange rates have impacted the outlook negatively for the pre-tax 

profit for 2009 by DKK 400m, of which DKK 350m is attributable to lower interest rates and DKK 50m to the lower NOK 
against DKK. Interest rate changes have had an adverse impact of 1 percentage point on the combined ratio.

The financial crisis and economic downturn have caused 

The Outlook for 2009 does not include the impact from 

greater uncertainty in a number of areas. TrygVesta is 

the acquisition of Moderna Försäkringar Sak, as these 

committed to providing profit guidance that is as precise 

activities only will be included once the transaction is 

as possible. However, with respect to 2009, the outlook 

closed and this is expected in first half of 2009. For fur-

is subject to much greater uncertainty. 

ther information please refer to separate company 

announcement dated 2 March 2009.

Future reporting
TrygVesta’s new process-oriented organisation, which 
was implemented on 1 January 2009, will result in future 
changes to our reporting so as to reflect the new areas 
of responsibility. The geographical reporting of the Danish 
and Norwegian businesses will continue unchanged 
while, beginning in the first quarter of 2009, Private & 
Commercial Denmark and Private & Commercial Norway 
will be reported as Nordic private and commercial busi-
ness. Reporting on Corporate, Sweden and Finland will 
be unchanged.

Since the end of the third quarter of 2008, the credit and 

financial crisis has, among other things, resulted in sig-

nificant changes in interest rates and exchange rates, and 

such changes impact TrygVesta’s profit outlook for 2009. 

Due to the exceptional circumstances, TrygVesta has 

elected to update the outlook to include interest rate and 

exchange rate levels at mid-February 2009. Other 

assumptions remain unchanged.

28 of 152

l Markets and strategy l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Due to the greater uncertainty and large fluctuations  

LARGE CLAIMS

in the financial markets we have elected to present a 

more detailed picture of our expectations, also adding a 

number of sensitivity calculations. This is intended to illus-

trate the impact of falling interest rates and the substantial 

depreciation of NOK against DKK. 

Lower premium growth expected for 2009

Earned premiums are expected to increase by some 4%  

in local currency terms, assuming no major changes in 

competitive conditions relative to 31 December 2008. 

Earned premium growth is expected to originate from 

organic growth and measures already implemented with 

respect to premiums. Finland and Sweden together are 

expected to contribute 1.8%, while Denmark and Norway 

will contribute 2.2%. 

DKKm

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

1,042

637

586

490

416

275

501

340

2005

2006

2007

2008

Large claims, gross

Expected level 2008/2009 (DKK 500m)

Large claims, net

Expected level 2007 (DKK 400m)

STORM AND WEATHER RELATED CLAIMS

Expectations for expected growth in earned premiums  

in 2009 have been lowered relative to the 4.9% gross 

increase achieved in 2008. This is a consequence of  

DKKM

1,000

911

the economic downturn which is expected to affect our 

business in several areas; lower sales of new cars, fewer 

new single-family houses being built and rising unem-

ployment, reducing the requirement for workers’ compen-

sation insurance. An overall assessment of the various 

factors has caused us to reduce the original growth fore-

800

600

400

200

0

332

202

112

cast for 2009 from 5% to 4%.

2005

2006

2007

2008

TrygVesta retains the strategy of generating profitable 

growth. 

Combined ratio affected by declining interest rates

Our third quarter 2008 interim report released in November 

2008 set out a combined ratio forecast for 2009 at the 

level prevailing in 2008. This was based on interest rate and 

other assumptions as prevailing at 30 September 2008. 

The interest rate used to discount provisions for claims fell 

by 1.2 percentage points in the period from the fourth 

quarter of 2008 until mid-February 2009 (including the 

effect of a changed discount curve) with a significant 

adverse effect on the combined ratio. Seen in isolation,  

a 1 percentage point drop in interest rates would increase 

the combined ratio by around 1 percentage point due to 

an increase in the discounted technical provisions. 

Expected level 2009 (DKK 250m)

Expected level 2008 (DKK 225m)

RUN-OFF (GROSS)

DKKm

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

-200

-400

-400

-600

868

744

618

361

68

-410

-588

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Markets and strategy l

29 of 152

Markets and strategy

Based on the interest rate level prevailing at mid-February 

Assumptions for sales and loss of policies are based on 

2009, the combined ratio for 2009 before run-off is esti-

historical levels, planned initiatives and the market situa-

mated to be at the level of 91-93 with an expectation of 

tion. Assumptions for price adjustments are primarily 

92. The past three years had run-offs of 1.8–4.6% of the 

based on agreements relating to adjustments of individ-

combined ratio, for example, with a combined ratio in 

ual insurance policies. The outlook is expressed in local 

2008 of 89.1 after run-off and 93.7 before run-off. 

currency terms.

The increase of the outlook in the combined ratio from 

the forecast in the autumn of 2008 thus only reflects 

We generally base our expectations for claims incurred  

the lower interest rate level. 

on assumptions for the various products in the individual 

business areas. Expectations regarding claims ratios are 

Downward trend in expenses 

based on historical performance in the form of average 

Costs in 2008 were affected by rising wage inflation and 

claims ratios for the past five years, with recent years’ 

substantial investments in “The Living House”. When 

trends generally being weighted stronger than those of 

adjusted for these factors the expense ratio was 16.7 

prior years. Trends in the pricing of our insurance premi-

equal to 2007. The expense ratio for 2009 is expected to 

ums, claims frequencies and the discount rate applied  

be on a level with 2007. This expectation includes continued 

are the most important factors that may affect our overall 

expansion in Finland and Sweden. The expense ratio would 

performance. Assumptions for storm events and large 

be just over 15 for the Danish and Norwegien activities.

claims are based on historical experience for not less  

Technical result

than ten years, with recent years’ trends being weighted 

stronger than those of prior years. In addition, we incor-

The technical result is expected to be DKK 1.5bn for the 

porate the effect of profitability initiatives and the effect 

full-year 2009 relative to DKK 1,591m in 2008 and before 

of any legislative measures in the anticipated claims level. 

run-off. The interest rate used for discounting has risen 

and fallen considerably again since the summer of 2008.

The outlook for 2009 assumes weather related claims of 

The outlook for the technical result for 2009 is therefore 

around DKK 250m and large claims of around DKK 500m 

subject to uncertainty due to uncertainty with respect to 

gross. The outlook assumes no run-off losses or gains in 

interest rates. See also the sensitivity analysis in the sec-

2009 on the provisions for claims. 

tion on Risk management on page 69.

The outlook regarding gross expenses reflects the pro-

Assumptions for insurance activities

jected number of employees during 2009 and the related 

The outlook for the financial results for 2009 is based  

costs. The projected number of employees incorporates 

on assumptions with respect to gross earned premiums, 

the effect of measures launched to improve efficiency.  

gross claims incurred, gross expenses, result of business 

The outlook further includes other expenses such as 

ceded and technical interest. Our outlook for gross 

those relating to IT, operations and our owner-occupied 

earned premiums is based on the Group’s portfolio at  

properties, which are predominantly based on agree-

31 December 2008 and assumptions with respect to 

ments that are known to us.

sales and loss of policies and price adjustments of  

existing policies. 

30 of 152

l Markets and strategy l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

The result of business ceded is based on contracts made 

Currency risk

with reinsurers to cover claims events and events such as 

Currency exchange rates, which have a major impact on 

storms and large claims. The expected result of business 

the results of the insurance operations, were very volatile 

ceded is calculated on the basis of such contracts and 

in 2008. TrygVesta’s insurance operations are directly 

historical data.

exposed to fluctuations in NOK, SEK and EUR. Based on 

the expectation of a positive profit contribution from,  

Assumptions for investment activities

the Norwegian part of the business, a depreciation of 

Due to the volatile and unusual conditions prevailing in 

NOK against DKK would adversely impact the total profit 

the financial markets the assumptions for investment 

of the Group which presents its financial statements in 

return are subject to considerable uncertainty. See the 

DKK. The currency risk on the part of equity tied up in 

section on Risk management on page 69 for a sensitivity 

NOK is hedged. The table shows the impact on premium 

analysis. 

growth and the result of insurance operations of different 

The outlook for the return on investments for 2009 is 

based on the following assumptions with respect to 

Assumptions for tax

NOK/DKK rates.

investment assets. An equity proportion of 3.6% and a 

The effective tax rate is affected by the corporate tax rate 

return of 7% including dividend are assumed. Bonds are 

of 25% in Denmark and 28% in Norway, and by the fact 

expected to account for around 86% of total investment 

that tax loss carry-forwards are not utilised in Sweden 

assets and to yield a return of 3.93% based on interest 

and Finland. We expect an effective tax rate of 27 for 

rates mid-February 2009. Finally, the real estate portfolio, 

2009. Whether this is achieved depends on the amount 

which accounts for 10% of assets including owner-occupied 

of gains or losses on equities which are tax-exempt or 

properties, is expected to yield a return of 6.1% exclusive 

non-deductible.

of any value adjustments. In 2008, bonds, equities and 

real estate yielded returns of 6.1%, minus 32.8% and 

The return on equity for 2009 is expected to be 14-16% 

8.4%, respectively. The investment result after transfer of 

after tax.

technical interest for 2009 is expected to be a profit of 

DKK 300m against a loss of 988m in 2008.

IMPACT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON THE GROuPS’ RESuLTS

DKK/NOK 

0.95 

0.90 

0.85 

0.80 

0.75

Premium growth change in DKK 
Result of insurance (DKKm) 

4.7% 
70 

2.4% 
35 

0.0% 
0 

-2.4% 
-35 

-4.7%
-70

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Markets and strategy l

31 of 152

 
 
 
 
 
 
Results

Development is the future

“Meeting customers on their own terms is another strategic  
focus area. Our experience is that customers feel greater accessibility 
and peace of mind when they have an online self-service option. 
This focus produced a number of benefits for customers in 2008  
and will continue to have a major influence on our communications  
with customers in the years ahead.”

32 of 152 l Results l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

Results

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Results l

33 of 152

Results

The Group’s financial performance in 2008

TrygVesta’s focus on profitable growth in the insurance 

claims within building insurance, triggered in part by rising 

operations was once again the foundation that sustained 

claims inflation (higher labour costs and material prices) 

the company throughout 2008, which was otherwise a 

and a changed claims mix. However, claims inflation sub-

challenging year for the insurance industry. 

sided in the second half-year of 2008 due to the economic 

Gross earned premiums were 4.9% higher in local currency 

introduced in both Denmark and Norway in 2008 to strike 

terms (4.3% in DKK terms), the result of a great effort by 

a profitable balance between price and claims expenses 

slowdown. Premium increases and other measures were 

our employees, high customer retention rates and a large 

during 2009 and 2010. 

inflow of new customers, with the new markets in Sweden 

and Finland once again contributing high growth rates. In 

Financial results in 2008

2008 we succeeded in reversing the previous negative 

The technical result amounted to a profit of DKK 2,384m 

growth in Private & Commercial Norway to positive growth 

in 2008 compared with DKK 2,820m in 2007. Outper-

of 4.8% in local currency terms, driven by higher customer 

forming the forecast announced in our third quarter 

retention and premium increases.

interim report in November 2008 by DKK 184m, the  

profit was primarily driven by run-off gains on prior-year 

However, 2008 was challenging for our insurance opera-

provisions of DKK 191m in the fourth quarter of 2008.  

tions. Claims expenses increased due to higher average 

Although lower than in 2007, the performance was still 

TECHNICAL RESULT, DENMARK AND NORWAY

TECHNICAL RESULT BY BUSINESS AREA

DKKM

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

1,131

956

1,032

720

1,639

1,695

1,377

1,214

1,335

DKKm

1,500

1,200

900

1,440

1,098

994

757

815

600

523

300

0

1,092

842

842

836

870

757

692

461

393

315

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

P&C Denmark

P&C Norway

Corporate

Denmark

Norway

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

34 of 152

l Results l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

good in a historic perspective. Higher claims and wage 

The profit after tax fell by DKK 1,420m to 846m due to 

inflation combined with investments in “The Living 

the lower investment return and a slightly lower technical 

House” were the primary causes of the technical result 

result. Capital losses on equities are non-deductible, and 

for 2008 being DKK 436m lower than in 2007. Claims 

therefore the tax rate was above normal.

expenses also increased within personal insurance, 

including health care insurance, in 2008. The growing  

New Markets lifting growth 

use of health care insurance has triggered higher claims 

TrygVesta recorded gross earned premiums of DKK 17,323m 

expenses, and premium increases have been implemented 

in 2008, which was DKK 717m, or 4.9% in local currency 

to offset this effect. 

terms (4.3% in DKK terms), more than in 2007. Premium 

growth was in line with expectations. It should be noted, 

Investment activities generated a profit of DKK 440m 

in particular, that Sweden and Finland recorded aggregate 

before transfer of technical interest in 2008 compared 

growth of 69%, contributing DKK 234m of the DKK 717m. 

with DKK 1,740m in 2007. The reduction was primarily 

The total portfolio in the two countries was DKK 691m at 

attributable to capital losses on equities amounting to 

31 December 2008. Growth was attributable to a sustained 

DKK 887m in 2008. TrygVesta recognises all investment 

high inflow of customers. In Finland, it was a direct result 

assets at market value, and value changes have a direct 

of the sales organisation being enhanced and enlarged. 

impact on the income statement. The proportion of  

Sweden and Finland accounted for 1.4 percentage points 

equities in the investment portfolio was reduced from  

and Denmark and Norway accounted for 3.5 percentage 

DKK 5.4bn in mid-2007 to DKK 1.7bn in January 2008. 

points of the Group’s total premium growth of 4.9% in 

Capital losses on equities would have been approximately 

local currency terms. 

DKK 1.2bn higher if the lower allocation to equity invest-

ments had not been implemented.

Private & Commercial Denmark reported 1.8% growth in 

The pre-tax profit amounted to DKK 1,347m against  

expected, and was affected in 2008 by relatively fierce 

DKK 3,109m in 2007. This was DKK 247m more than  

competition from smaller companies. More existing cus-

the full-year forecast announced in the third quarter  

tomers chose to stay on with TrygVesta in Norway. The 

gross earned premiums over 2007. This was less than 

2008 interim report.

G ROSS EARN ED PRE M IU M S
BY BUSI NE SS A REA

2%

1%

32%

38%

P&C Denmark

P&C Norway

27%

Corporate

Finland

Sweden

combined effect of this, a fair inflow of new customers 

and a large number of premium increases was to lift  

premium growth in Private & Commercial Norway to an 

annualised 4.8% in local currency terms, thereby exceed-

ing expectations. 

Gross earned premiums in the Corporate business 

increased by 4.3% over 2007. Gross earned premiums 

grew rapidly at the beginning of the year due to the large 

inflow of new customers in the second half of 2007, while 

the growth rate was somewhat slower in the second half 

of 2008. During the period from mid-2007 to 2008, the 

Corporate business outperformed the estimated market 

growth by a considerable margin, and a more natural 

growth level was therefore expected in the second half  

of 2008. 

TrygVesta expanded its position within health care in 

2008. The heavy demand for health care insurance  

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Results l

35 of 152

 
Results

PREMIUM GROWTH IN LOCAL CURRENCY 
– TRYGVESTA GROUP

%

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

YTD 2008

YTD 2007

Large claims – defined as claims of more than DKK 10m  

– were a gross amount of DKK 586m in 2008 against a 

gross amount of DKK 1,042m in 2007. After reinsurer 

contributions, large claims amounted to DKK 490m net 

against DKK 637m in 2007. The most widely covered large 

claim in 2008 related to a fire on Bryggen in Bergen, Norway 

in September, which destroyed several of that city’s his-

toric timber built houses. The level of fires in single-family 

houses in Norway amounted to NOK 264m in 2008, sig-

nificantly above 2007, which amounted to NOK 209m. 

Weather related claims were DKK 112m in 2008 compared 

with DKK 332m in 2007. The reduction was due partly to 

the mild winter and partly to fewer cloudbursts in the 

summer of 2008 compared with the summer of 2007. 

Claims in 2008 were positively impacted by gains on prior 

combined with good market timing of the launch of new 

year claims. The favourable run-off performance contributed 

product initiatives produced portfolio growth of more than 

a net amount of DKK 793m (gross amount of DKK 868m) 

70% in Denmark. 

compared with a net amount of DKK 743m (gross amount 

of DKK 744m) in 2007. The motor and personal accident 

Combined ratio under pressure  

lines were the major contributors of run-off gains, while 

from rising claims inflation

building generated run-off losses in 2008, mainly attribut-

The combined ratio was up from 86.1 in 2007 to 89.1 in 

able to larger than expected cloudburst claims from 2007. 

2008. The adverse performance was triggered by higher 

claims expenses for building and personal insurances. 

The underlying claims ratio increased when adjusted for 

Increasing average claims and high wage increases were 

the effect of large claims, weather related claims, run-off 

the primary cause of the higher combined ratio, although 

results and interest rates. The underlying increase in 

in a historic and, in particular, European perspective 89.1 

claims expenses was attributable to higher claims expenses 

reflected a continued good and sound insurance opera-

in several areas. The average building claim in Denmark was 

tions performance. 

Large claims were higher than expected in 2008, while 

weather related claims were lower than expected. Run-off 

gains had a favourable impact of 4.6 percentage points on 

the combined ratio in 2008, on a level with 2007.

Claims experience 

Gross claims at DKK 11,766m were 5.3% higher, bringing 

the claims ratio, net of ceded business, to 71.8 in 2008 

compared with 69.4 in 2007. The DKK 591m increase  

in gross claims incurred was primarily attributable to 

higher claims expenses in relation to building and per-

sonal insurance. 

STORM AND WEATHER RELATED CLAIMS

DKKm

1,000

911

800

600

400

200

0

332

202

112

2005

2006

2007

2008

Expected level in 2008 (DKK 225m)

36 of 152

l Results l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

around 21 percentage points higher, driven by higher prices 

EXPENSE RATIO

of labour and materials and by a changed claims mix towards 

a larger number of more expensive piping claims and reserve 

strengthening. To counter the effect of these factors on the 

Group’s financial results, TrygVesta has already launched a 

number of initiatives and additional measures have been 

scheduled to maintain and improve the earnings level. 

Costs impacted by investments in New Markets 

and the workplace of the future 

As disclosed in the third quarter 2008 interim report,  

%

20

18

16

14

12

17.0

16.8

16.7

17.3

16.7

2005

2006

2007

2008

costs in the fourth quarter of 2008 would be adversely 

Expense ratio

impacted by costs in connection with “The Living House” 

project to create the workplace of the future. The project 

will change the physical working environment at Ballerup 

and Bergen with a view enhancing innovation, develop-

Expense ratio excluding costs to “The Living House”

ment and knowledge sharing. Previously, all or part of 

of expansion in the new markets had an impact of 1.5 

such costs would have been capitalised as appreciation  

percentage points in 2008 against 1.3 percentage points 

of the values of the properties, but the item has been 

in 2007 and are financed through ongoing process 

recognised in current costs due to the current uncertain 

improvements in Denmark and Norway. 

situation. 

Investment return

Expenses relating to “The Living House” totalled DKK  

The investment portfolio amounted to a total of  

133m. Excluding “The Living House”, the expense ratio 

DKK 34.2bn at 31 December 2008 compared with  

was 16.7, in line with 2007. Including costs of this project, 

DKK 37.3bn at 1 January 2008. The gross return on 

the expense ratio was 17.3 in 2008. In light of high wage 

investment assets totalled DKK 1,258m in 2008 against 

inflation of around 5-8%, high initial costs in New Mar-

DKK 1,523m in 2007, corresponding to a gross return 

kets, and high growth with derived commission expenses, 

 of 3.5% in 2008 compared with 4.1% in 2007. Invest-

the expense performance is considered satisfactory. Costs 

ment activities generated a loss of DKK 988m after 

transfer of technical interest compared with a profit  

of DKK 340m in 2007. 

The performance fell considerably short of expectations 

and was mainly attributable to capital losses on equities 

of DKK 887m incurred in 2008.  The proportion of equities 

1,042

in the investment portfolio was reduced from DKK 5.4bn 

LARGE CLAIMS

DKKm

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

416

275

501

340

637

586

490

2005

2006

2007

2008

Large claims, gross

Large claims, net

Expected level in 2008 (DKK 500m)

in 2007 to DKK 1.7bn in January 2008. Capital losses on 

equities would have been approximately DKK 1.2bn higher 

if the lower allocation to equity investments had not  

been implemented.

TrygVesta acquired its head office in Ballerup at a price  

of DKK 1,085m in the spring of 2008. The acquisition 

replaced the existing lease with Danica from 1995, which 

would have expired in 2025. The purchase provides 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Results l

37 of 152

Results

TrygVesta with certain immediate financial benefits as 

TrygVesta generated a cash inflow from operating  

the annual rent exceeded the yield on bonds sold to 

activities of DKK 1.8m 2008 compared with DKK 2.7bn  

fund the acquisition. Acquiring the head office also facili-

in 2007.

tates “The Living House” refurbishment project described 

in the preface to this annual report. 

Investments amounted to a total of DKK 0.5bn in 2008, 

Tax

and there was a cash outflow for financing activities of 

DKK 2.2bn, primarily relating to cash dividend of DKK 

The tax expense was DKK 501m in 2008 compared with 

1.6bn and share buy back of own shares of DKK 1.2bn.

DKK 842m in 2007, equalling an increase in the effective 

tax rate from 27% to 37%. The effective tax rate in 2007 

Equity

was favourably affected by the reduction of the Danish 

Equity stood at DKK 8,244m at 31 December 2008,  

corporate tax rate from 28% to 25%, which reduced the 

a reduction of DKK 1,766m. 

deferred tax. The effective tax rate in 2008 was adversely 

affected by non-deductible equity losses, which were 

The change was attributable to cash dividends paid out  

partly offset by a favourable impact from closed tax cases.

in the amount of DKK 1,156m, purchases of own shares 

in the amount of DKK 1,197m, profit for the year and 

Balance sheet and cash flow

other adjustments. 

Total assets decreased from DKK 43,830m to DKK 38,453m 

in 2008, primarily due to the depreciation of NOK against 

Events after the balance sheet date

DKK.

On 2 March 2009 TrygVesta agreed to acquire Moderna 

Försäkringar Sak in Sweden for DKK 427m in transaction 

Liabilities mainly comprised shareholders’ equity of  

goodwill and a total amount of SEK 1,256m (DKK 810m). 

DKK 8,244m and technical provisions of DKK 25,193m.

For further information please refer to separate company 

announcement dated 2 March 2009.

Technical provisions decreased from DKK 26,916m to  

DKK 25,193m in 2007, equal to 6.4%. The ratio of provi-

sions for claims, net of reinsurance, to earned premiums, 

was 112 against 124 in 2007.

38 of 152

l Results l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

Private & Commercial Denmark

DKKm 

  Gross earned premiums 
  Gross claims incurred 
  Gross expenses 

  Profit/loss on gross business 

  Profit/loss on ceded business 

 Technical interest, net of reinsurance 

  Technical result 

  Key ratios 

  Gross claims ratio 
  Business ceded as % of gross premiums 

  Claims ratio, net of ceded business  
  Gross expense ratio 

  Combined ratio 

2006 

2007 

2008

6,390 
-4,215 
-1,109 

1,066 

6,490 
-4,041 
-1,086 

1,363 

6,605
-4,443
-1,155

1,007

-200 

-87 

-89

128 

994 

164 

1,440 

180

1,098

66.0 
3.1 

69.1 
17.4 

86.5 

62.3 
1.3 

63.6 
16.7 

80.3 

67.3
1.3

68.6
17.5

86.1

Private & Commercial Denmark sells insurances to private 

impacted by significantly lower run-off gains, which were 

households and small and medium-sized enterprises in 

DKK 164m lower in 2008 than in 2007, and high claims 

Denmark under the Tryg brand name. Sales are handled 

inflation at the beginning of 2008, which subsided 

by five customer centres/call centres, 16 local service cen-

towards the end of 2008. 

tres, our own sales agents, Nordea’s branches, affinity 

groups, car dealers and real estate agents. Private & 

The higher average claims on building insurance presented 

Commercial Denmark has around 1,400 employees.

one of the major challenges in 2008 due to higher wage to 

skilled craftsmen and higher costs of materials, a changed 

Performance at a sustained high level in 2008 

claims mix and run-off losses from an increase of provisions 

despite rising claims inflation

for cloudburst claims from 2007. However, the rapid eco-

The technical result amounted to DKK 1,098m in 2008, 

nomic slowdown reduced demand for craftsmen services 

which was DKK 342m lower than in 2007, but around 

during the year, thereby curbing claims inflation. TrygVesta 

DKK 100m higher than in 2006. The performance was 

has implemented price increases on building insurance as a 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Results l

39 of 152

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Results

result of the change in claims patterns in connection with 

100 private customers chose to renew their policies with 

the climate changes. 

us. The high retention rate made a positive contribution to 

the performance, as a high retention rate is important in 

2008 was yet another year with health care in focus

relation to the development of premiums, claims and costs. 

Gross earned premiums rose by 1.8% to DKK 6,605m  

in 2008, which was lower than anticipated. In 2008, 

The implementation of the changed tariff parameters for 

growth in gross premiums was affected by lower premiums 

motor insurance in Denmark resulted in a decline in the 

on motor insurance and competition from small insurers 

average motor premium throughout 2008. However, it  

in particular. Going forward, price competition from small 

stabilised towards the end of the year. Although the 

insurers is expected to tail off as a result of changed  

implementation of the new tariff parameters began in late 

market conditions under which losses on investments  

2006, it takes time before the entire portfolio has been 

and higher combined ratios are likely to lead to a stronger 

transferred. The new parameters are based on the age of 

focus on striking the balance between earned premiums/

the car, the annual mileage and the age and gender of the 

growth and the related claims expenses. 

driver, all of which facilitates a better risk assessment. The 

level of average motor insurance premiums is expected to 

2008 was yet another year with health care in focus. 

remain largely unchanged in 2009. Average premiums will 

Health care insurance premiums grew by more than 70%, 

be favourably affected by the general increase in prices 

and TrygVesta further strengthened its position in this 

(index), totalling 4.4% in 2009, but adversely impacted by 

market. The Private & Commercial and Corporate portfolios 

the ongoing portfolio restructuring and premium reduc-

total more than DKK 200m. 

tions to customers as they build up their driving seniority. 

Private & Commercial Denmark also recorded strong 

of high seniority customers, for whom the continuous shift 

growth within so-called industry agreements with the 

towards lower premiums is connected with a high degree 

The motor portfolio is characterised by a large proportion 

business sector as a result of recent years’ efforts to  

of loyalty and good profitability. 

target selected segments of the business sector. These 

agreements are characterised by a high degree of  

In 2008, Private & Commercial Denmark launched a number 

customer loyalty and good profitability. 

of initiatives to further enhance the customer experience. 

In 2008, the retention rate for private customers stabilised 

surance coverage of some 300,000 concept customers  

at a high level of around 91, which means that 91 out of 

as a customer benefit at no additional cost. The extended 

As a result, Tryg Vejhjælp was added to the motor in- 

AVERAGE PREMIUMS

PREMIUMS BY PRODUCT

DKK

5,000

4,750

4,500

4,250

4,000

3,750

3,500

3,250

3,000

8%

5%

13%

13%

34%

2005

2006

2007

2008

27%

Motor

Building

Motor

Property, private

Property, commercial

Personal Lines

Workers’ compensation

Other

40 of 152

l Results l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

Tryg Vejhjælp provides additional peace-of-mind services, 

CUSTOMER RETENTION

such as changing of winter and summer tyres, taxi and 

hotel service and safety checks on the car. Sales of the 

extended Tryg Vejhjælp have exceeded expectations, 

thereby confirming that customers welcome the Group’s 

ambition to continuously improve the quality and  

service it provides. 

In 2008, TrygVesta signed a cooperation agreement with 

DLG, Denmark’s leading supplier of feedstuffs for the 

agricultural sector, for the distribution of insurance products 

in Denmark and Sweden. DLG, which also sells telecom-

munications, food products and machinery, generates 

annual revenue of DKK 38bn and has 5,000 employees. 

The agreement is expected to contribute to earned  

premiums and earnings beginning in 2009.

%

93

92

91

90

89

88

2005

2006

2007

2008

CLAIMS FREQUENCY IN DENMARK

Claims affected by claims inflation

In 2008, total claims expenses at DKK 4,443m were up by 

9.9% relative to 2007, and the gross claims ratio increased 

from 62.3 to 67.3. Despite the increase we are still at an 

acceptable level. In this connection, it should be empha-

sised that the claims ratio was exceptionally low in 2007. 

The increase in 2008 was primarily attributable to higher 

building and health insurance claims and significantly 

reduced run-off gains as compared with 2007. 

Index

120

115

110

105

100

95

90

0
0
1

=

5
0
0
2

:
x
e
d
n

I

2005

2006

2007

2008

The average claim in building insurance rose by around  

Motor

Building

20 percentage points in 2008, which was one of the 

most important reasons for the increase in claims expenses. 

Average claims rose as a consequence of higher payroll 

and material costs and a change in the claims mix, with 

TrygVesta recording a higher number of costly claims, 

which gave rise to run-off losses in 2008, primarily  

attributable to increased provisions for cloudburst claims 

from 2007.

The claims frequency for building policies dropped by  

5 percentage points in 2008, mainly as a result of fewer 

weather related claims. Due to the higher claims expenses, 

premium increases of approximately 11% were implemented 

on building policies at the end of 2008. The time lag from 

implementation of a price increase until it feeds through 

AVERAGE CLAIMS – DENMARK

Index

140

130

120

110

100

90

0
0
1

=

5
0
0
2

:
x
e
d
n

I

2005

2006

2007

2008

as a gross earned premium is up to two years, and the 

Motor

Building

effect of such price increases will therefore only begin to 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Results l

41 of 152

 
 
 
 
 
 
Results

DKKm 

Storm and weather, gross 
Large claims, gross 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008

739 
23 

109 
25 

242 
78 

51
83

materialise in the second half-year of 2009 and be fully 

Expenses 

recognised in the financial statements for 2010.

Expenses rose to DKK 1,155m in 2008 from DKK 1,086m 

in 2007 due to high wage inflation, increased initiation of 

The claims frequency for motor policies fell by around  

IT projects and expenses of DKK 24m incurred in connec-

3 percentage points in 2008 compared with 2007, and 

tion with “The Living House” in the fourth quarter of 

the average claim was up by around 4 percentage points.  

2008. Excluding the expense in connection with “The 

TrygVesta’s cooperation with selected garages helps keep 

 Living House”, the expense ratio was 17.1 against 16.7 

average claims expenses at a competitive level, while 

the year before. 

ensuring that customers receive high-quality service. 

Combined ratio of 86.1

Expenses for weather related claims fell, as 2008 saw 

The combined ratio was 86.1, an increase relative to the 

fewer cloudburst and storm claims as compared with  

exceptionally low level of 80.3 recorded in 2007.

previous years. Large claims totalled DKK 83m in 2008 

compared with DKK 78m in 2007.

A large part of this difference was attributable to higher 

run-off gains in 2007, as, in relative terms, a 2.6 percent-

Run-off gains from prior-year claims positively impacted 

age point higher positive impact was recorded in 2007 as 

the 2008 performance by a gross amount of DKK 391m 

compared with 2008. Moreover, the underlying claims 

(DKK 414m net) against a gross amount of DKK 551m 

inflation contributed to the higher combined ratio in 2008 

(DKK 578m net) in 2007. Motor and workers’ compensa-

relative to 2007. Premium initiatives already implemented 

tion recorded positive run-off gains, whereas reserves for 

and additional planned initiatives are intended to enable 

building policies were strengthened. Run-off gains had a 

the strong earnings to be retained going forward. 

favourable impact on the combined ratio of 6.3 percent-

age points compared with 8.9 percentage points in 2007. 

42 of 152

l Results l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private & Commercial Norway

DKKm 

2006 

2007 

2008

  NOK/DKK, average rate for the period 

93.04 

92.81 

91.74

  Gross earned premiums 
  Gross claims incurred 
  Gross expenses 

  Profit/loss on gross business 

  Profit/loss on ceded business 

  Technical interest, net of reinsurance 

  Technical result 

  Key ratios 

  Gross claims ratio 
  Business ceded as % of gross premiums 

  Claims ratio, net of ceded business  
  Gross expense ratio 

  Combined ratio 

4,509 
-2,866 
-922 

4,490 
-2,962 
-936 

4,636
-3,371
-1,004

721 

-75 

111 

757 

63.6 
1.7 

65.3 
20.4 

85.7 

592 

-82 

182 

692 

66.0 
1.8 

67.8 
20.8 

88.6 

261

-68

122

315

72.7
1.5

74.2
21.7

95.9

Private & Commercial Norway sells insurances to private 

of the positive trend, TrygVesta was able to retain  

households and small and medium-sized enterprises in 

its market share in 2008. This could be viewed as an 

Norway under the TrygVesta and Enter brand names. 

indication that the many initiatives, particularly in  

Sales are handled by 85 franchise offices, our own sales 

the Oslo region, are beginning to pay off. 

agents, three regional customer centres, 35 local sales 

centres, car dealers and Nordea’s branches. Private & 

The technical result amounted to a profit of DKK 315m 

Commercial Norway has around 1,100 employees and 

in 2008 compared with DKK 692m in 2007. The perfor - 

some 300 franchise office staff.

mance was adversely affected by high claims inflation and 

a higher number of fires in single-family houses as com-

Financial results in 2008

pared with previous years. Moreover, Private & Commer-

In 2008, we succeeded in reversing the negative trend in 

cial Norway recorded run-off losses of DKK 32m in 2008 

gross premiums from 2005-2007 to growth. As a result 

as compared with run-off gains of DKK 81m in 2007.

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Results l

43 of 152

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Results

CUSTOMER RETENTION

From minus to plus

%

87

86

85

84

83

82

Private & Commercial Norway recorded a gross premium 

increase of 4.8% in local currency terms (3.3% in DKK 

terms) to DKK 4,636m, as against a decline in gross pre-

miums of 0.2 percentage point in local currency terms  

in 2007. The DKK 146m increase was attributable to a 

combination of rising customer loyalty and increased 

sales in several regions, particularly in the Oslo area.

2005

2006

2007

2008

mium increases implemented since mid-2007 on motor and 

Gross premiums were also favourably affected by the pre-

building policies in particular. Private & Commercial Norway 

has scheduled additional premium increases in 2009, which 

will contribute to further growth going forward. The reten-

tion rate improved further in 2008 to 86.9 from 85.8 at 

31 December 2007, and Private & Commercial Norway 

recorded a rising retention rate for large customer rela-

tionships in particular. Customer loyalty has been growing 

since Private & Commercial Norway changed its price and 

loyalty model in 2005/2006. 

In 2008, the net number of policies rose by 58,000. All 

TrygVesta’s franchise and sales offices have applied a  

new customer system, ‘Salgsnøkkelen’, since the spring  

of 2008, which has significantly eased the administrative 

selling routines. Moreover, the growth in sales has 

entailed an increase in sales and commission expenses. 

Going forward, this development will generate higher  

premium growth rates, thereby strengthening TrygVesta’s 

position and market opportunities in Norway. 

Claims 

Claims expenses at DKK 3,371m were 13.8%, or  

DKK 409m, higher, and the claims ratio, net of ceded 

business, increased from 67.8 to 74.2. The increase was 

mainly attributable to an increase in medium-sized building 

and fire claims. In 2008, expenses for fires in single-family 

stantially above the level of previous years, as indicated 

in the chart. Fires in single-family houses are far more 

frequent in Norway than in Denmark, due to the fact that 

many houses and cabins in Norway are made from wood 

and heated by electric heating and wood burning stoves or 

fireplaces. Large claims, defined as claims in excess of DKK 

10m, totalled DKK 131m, as against DKK 121m in 2007. 

48%

houses in Norway totalled NOK 264m, which was sub-

AVERAGE PREMIUMS

NOK

5,000

4,750

4,500

4,250

4,000

3,750

3,500

3,250

3,000

2005

2006

2007

2008

Motor

Building

PREMIUMS BY PRODUCT

9%

4%

8%

8%

23%

Motor

Property, private

Property, commercial

Personal Lines

Workers’ compensation

Other

44 of 152

l Results l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

As a percentage of gross earned premiums, large claims 

mission costs, wage inflation of around 8% and expenses of 

thus amounted to 2.8% compared with 2.7% in 2007.

DKK 12m incurred in connection with “The Living House” in 

the fourth quarter of 2008. Excluding expenses relating to 

The claims frequency for motor policies rose by approxi-

“The Living House”, the expense ratio was 21.4 in 2008. 

mately 1 percentage point relative to 2007, and the aver-

age claim was up by around 4 percentage points. The 

Combined ratio affected by claims inflation

average claim tracks the general development in payroll 

Overall, the combined ratio was 95.9 in 2008, as against 

and material costs. TrygVesta’s cooperation with selected 

88.6 in 2007. A large part of this difference was attributable 

garages which repair three out of four motor claims 

to the higher run-off gains in 2007. Moreover, the increase 

ensures high quality and lower costs per repair. 

in the combined ratio relative to 2007 was attributable to 

higher expenses for fires in single-family houses and under-

The claims frequency for building policies rose by approxi-

lying claims inflation. The premium initiatives implemented 

mately 2 percentage points in 2008, and the average 

since mid-2007 in several areas are expected to improve 

claim was up by 7 percentage points, driven by higher 

profitability in the upcoming period. 

payroll and material costs. The index for construction 

costs in Norway declined in the second half-year of 2008, 

and this development is expected to impact the perform-

ance of average claims in the upcoming quarters. The 

provisions for claims increased by a net amount of DKK 32m 

in 2008 as compared with a DKK 81m run-off gain in 2007. 

This corresponds to an adverse impact on the combined 

ratio of 0.7% in 2008 relative to a favourable impact of 

1.8% in 2007. In particular, provisions for building and 

group life insurances were strengthened.

Expenses

Expenses rose by 7.3% or DKK 68m (6% or DKK 56m exclud-

ing expenses relating to “The Living House”) to DKK 1,004m, 

and, as a result, the expense ratio was up from 20.8 to 21.7. 

The increase was primarily attributable to higher selling com-

FIRE CLAIMS FOR BUILDINGS

NOKm

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

211

200

209

264

2005

2006

2007

2008

AVERAGE CLAIMS IN NORWAY

CLAIMS FREQUENCY IN NORWAY

Index

140

0
0
1

=

5
0
0
2

:
x
e
d
n

I

130

120

110

100

90

Index

107

103

101

99

97

95

0
0
1

=

5
0
0
2

:
x
e
d
n

I

2005

2006

2007

2008

2005

2006

2007

2008

Motor

Building

Motor

Building

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Results l

45 of 152

 
 
 
 
 
 
Results

Finnish general insurance

DKKm  

2006 

2007 

2008

  EUR/DKK, average rate for the period 

745.94 

745.11 

745.63

  Gross earned premiums 
  Gross claims incurred 
  Gross expenses 

  Profit/loss on gross business 

  Profit/loss on ceded business 

  Technical interest, net of reinsurance 

  Technical result 

  Key ratios 

  Gross claims ratio 
  Business ceded as % of gross premiums 

  Claims ratio, net of ceded business  
  Gross expense ratio 

  Combined ratio 

198 
-155 
-83 

-40 

0 

6 

-34 

78.1 
0.2 

78.3 
41.7 

251 
-188 
-125 

-62 

-1 

14 

-49 

74.9 
0.4 

75.3 
49.8 

354
-258
-154

-58

-1

17

-42

72.9
0.3

73.2
43.5

120.0 

125.1 

116.7

Our Finnish branch sells insurances to private household 

through a targeted effort to build and strengthen  

customers and small enterprises under the brand name of 

the sales channels. The rapidly growing portfolio is 

TrygVesta Finland and Nordea Vahinkovakuutus. Insurance 

attributable partly to sales made through Nordea,  

policies are sold by Nordea’s branches, our own sales 

but to an increasing extent also to sales made through 

force and call centres, car dealers and via the Internet. 

own sales channels. Such sales account for around 

The Finnish branch has around 150 employees. 

three quarters of sales today, a large part of which 

Broader distribution platform lifting sales

introduced by Nordea. Sales via the Internet totalled 

Gross earned premiums in Finland rose by 41%, or  

6% of aggregate sales, a new record in terms of the 

concerns additional sales to customers originally  

DKK 103m, to DKK 354m driven by an increase in sales. 

number of policies. 

In 2008, the Finnish business sold around 160,000 insur-

ance policies, as against approximately 100,000 policies 

The portfolio totalled DKK 432m at 31 December 2008 

in 2007. The sustained high level of sales was achieved 

and grew by 45% in 2008 from DKK 299m at 31 Decem-

46 of 152

l Results l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ber 2007. The number of customers was approximately 

The effects of these price increases will begin to materi-

130,000 at 31 December 2008. 

alise from the second half of 2009, but will not feed 

The market share was 4.4% at 31 December 2008 in 

terms of households, as compared with 3.6% at  

Expenses

through until 2011.

1 January 2008. 

The high sales level added pressure to expenses, which 

rose from DKK 125m in 2007 to DKK 154m in 2008. 

The potential for sales of insurance policies to small  

Costs are primarily driven by selling commissions, but  

commercial customers is strong in Finland, as Nordea  

as the proportion of policies sold by the unit’s own call 

has a strong position in this customer segment. Sales 

centre increases, the charge on the expense ratio will be 

through own channels significantly outperformed  

gradually reduced for the benefit of future earnings. 

expectations in 2008. 

In 2008, TrygVesta signed a new agreement with Nordea 

The strong growth in the Finnish business and the  

on settlement of commission regarding policies sold 

plans for continued growth give rise to an ongoing 

through Nordea. As a result of this agreement, it is now 

requirement for attracting qualified employees. The 

possible to accrue commission over the first year of the 

number of employees rose in 2008 from 127 to around 

policy, as it is actually a prepayment to Nordea, as com-

150. To this number should be added 40 independent 

pared with the previous method of charging commission to 

insurance agents.

the income statement at the time of writing the business. 

Claims ratio improved

The expense ratio was 43.5 in 2008, compared with 

The claims ratio, net of ceded business was 73.2 in 2008 

49.8 in 2007.

against 75.3 in 2007. Despite a generally satisfactory 

claims performance, there are a few lines, which, based 

Combined ratio

on an overall evaluation of the competitive situation and 

The combined ratio was 116.7 relative to 125.1 for 2007. 

the premium and profitability levels, require premium 

In the private business, the combined ratio was 101.5 

increases. These increases will be implemented in 2009. 

against 106.6 for 2007. Looking ahead, the private busi-

ness, which is now well balanced, will focus on reducing 

the combined ratio and thus on good profitability.

ACCUMULATED WEEK LY SALES IN FINLAND

FINLAND SALES DISTRIBUTION

Policies

200,000

150,000

100,000

50,000

0

2002

2007

%

100

80

60

40

20

0

10

20

30

40

2004

2008

2006

50
Weeks

2007

2008

Nordea

Other sales channels

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Results l

47 of 152

 
Results

Swedish general insurance

DKKm 

2006 

2007 

2008

  SEK/DKK, average rate for the period 

80.37 

80.73 

78.02

  Gross earned premiums 
  Gross claims incurred 
  Gross expenses 

  Profit/loss on gross business 

  Profit/loss on ceded business 

  Technical interest, net of reinsurance 

  Technical result 

  Key ratios 

  Gross claims ratio 
  Business ceded as % of gross premiums 

  Claims ratio, net of ceded business  
  Gross expense ratio 

  Combined ratio 

4 
-6 
-39 

-41 

0 

0 

90 
-80 
-95 

-85 

0 

3 

221
-214
-104

-97

0

7

-41 

-82 

-90

144.9 
0.4 

145.3 
1,003.8 

1,149.1 

88.9 
0.0 

88.9 
105.6 

194.5 

96.8
0.0

96.8
47.1

143.9

Vesta Skadeförsäkring sells insurances to private individu-

The overall portfolio amounted to DKK 259m (SEK 380m) 

als. Insurance policies are sold by Nordea’s branches, our 

at 31 December 2008 and was adversely impacted by the 

own call centre and via the Internet. The Swedish branch 

weakening of SEK relative to DKK. The number of custom-

has around 100 employees.

ers totalled 107,000 at 31 December 2008 compared 

with 50,000 at 1 January 2008. 

Further acceleration in Sweden

Gross earned premiums in Sweden were up by 146%, or 

Claims 

DKK 131m, to stand at DKK 221m. The rapid growth was 

The claims ratio, net of ceded business was 96.8 com-

generated principally by strong sales through Nordea, but 

pared with 88.9 in 2007. This level is considered satisfac-

increasingly also by employees of the business unit’s own 

tory for such a relatively new portfolio. Moreover, the 

call centre, which now account for around 50% of sales. 

Swedish business was affected by a number of medium-

During 2008, a total of 122,000 policies were sold in 

sized fire claims on holiday and single-family houses in 

Sweden, an increase of 35,000 policies relative to 2007. 

2008, which had a relatively severe impact on ratios and 

48 of 152

l Results l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
generated significant fluctuations, as the size of the 

on the expense ratio will be gradually reduced for the 

business is still relatively limited. 

benefit of future earnings. 

The Swedish business had not raised its premiums since 

In 2008, TrygVesta signed a new agreement with Nordea 

being launched in mid-2006, and automatic annual pre-

on settlement of commission regarding policies sold 

mium indexation is not used in the Swedish market in 

through Nordea. As a result of this agreement, it is now 

the way it is done in Denmark. As a result, Vesta Skade-

possible to accrue commission over the first year of the 

försäkring is planning a number of premium related 

policy, as it is actually a prepayment to Nordea, as com-

measures in 2009. The effects of these price increases 

pared with the previous method of charging commission to 

will begin to materialise from the second half of 2009, 

the income statement at the time of writing the business. 

but will not feed through fully until 2011.

Expenses 

The rapid growth entailed a need to strengthen human 

resources, and the number of full-time employees was 

The increase in nominal costs by 9.5% to DKK 104m 

just over 100 at 31 December 2008 relative to 60 at  

should be seen in the light of the strong gross premium 

1 January 2008. 

growth, which led to an overall reduction of the expense 

ratio from 105.6 to 47.1. Costs are primarily driven by 

Combined ratio

selling commissions, but as the proportion of policies 

The combined ratio was 143.9 for 2008, as against  

sold by the unit’s own call centre increases, the charge 

194.5 for 2007. 

MONTHLY SALES SINCE START-UP 
IN SWEDEN AND FINLAND

SWEDEN SALES DISTRIBUTION

Policies

15,000

12,000

9,000

6,000

3,000

0

Average monthly sales in Finland 2008

%

100

80

60

40

20

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

22

24

26

28

30

2007

2008

Months

Sweden

Finland

Nordea

Own sales channels

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Results l

49 of 152

Results

Corporate

DKKm 

  Gross earned premiums 
  Gross claims incurred 
  Gross expenses 

  Profit/loss on gross business 

2006 

2007 

2008

4,921 
-3,322 
-539 

1,060 

5,285 
-3,904 
-504 

877 

5,512
-3,489
-588

1,435

  Profit/loss on ceded business 

-316 

-172 

-516

  Technical interest, net of reinsurance 

  Technical result 

  Key ratios 

  Gross claims ratio 
  Business ceded as % of gross premiums 

  Claims ratio, net of ceded business  
  Gross expense ratio 

  Combined ratio 

98 

842 

67.5 
6.4 

73.9 
11.0 

84.9 

137 

842 

173

1,092

73.9 
3.3 

77.2 
9.5 

86.7 

63.3
9.4

72.7
10.7

83.4

Corporate is a Nordic business area which sells insurances 

Yet another performance improvement

to corporate customers under the TrygVesta brand. Corpo-

The technical result rose by DKK 250m to DKK 1,092m in 

rate’s products are sold through its own sales force and 

2008, reflecting a strong customer selection approach 

through insurance brokers. The Corporate business area 

based on pricing risk correctly. In addition, run-off gains 

has some 3,000 customers each paying annual premiums 

of DKK 486m in gross terms, as against DKK 102m in 

of more than DKK 900,000 or having more than 50 emplo-

2007, contributed to the performance improvement. 

yees, and around 75 customers each paying annual premi-

ums of more than DKK 10m. Corporate has 535 employees. 

Corporate generated strong growth compared  

TrygVesta Garantiforsikring is included in the financial re sults 

to the market performance 

of Corporate. TrygVesta Garantiforsikring is a subsidiary 

Gross earned premiums rose by DKK 227m, or 4.3%, to 

whose principal activity is to guarantee, in relation to third 

DKK 5,512m. Since mid-2007, Corporate has significantly 

parties, its customers’ performance under agreements made, 

outperformed the estimated market growth due to the 

such as construction contracts where guarantee is provided 

addition of several new large customers. The Danish part 

in respect of risks during the construction period and re-

of the Corporate business recorded growth of 5.6%, and 

medying of defects after the project has been handed over.

the Norwegian part recorded growth of 3.4%. 

50 of 152

l Results l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DKKm 

Storm and weather, gross 
Large claims, gross 
Large claims, net 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008

136 
356 
224 

51 
456 
294 

57 
843 
439 

27
330
255

In 2008, Corporate retained previous years’ overall focus  

The gross claims ratio was 63.3 in 2008, as compared with 

on generating profitable growth, which resulted in price 

73.9 in 2007. The relatively low level of the gross claims 

increases in the marine segment due to unsatisfactory earn-

ratio in 2008 resulted in higher payments to reinsurers, 

ings. This increase led to a customer outflow in the segment.

which naturally caused the reinsurance ratio to increase 

from 3.3 in 2007 to 9.4 in 2008. Overall, this was reflected 

It was expected in 2008 that increased competition would 

in an improvement of the claims ratio, net of ceded busi-

yield weaker growth going forward. Due to the turbulent 

ness from 77.2 in 2007 to 72.7 in 2008.

developments in the financial markets, a number of com-

petitors refocused on profitable insurance operations, 

Expenses

which, from a rational perspective, should create more 

Expenses rose by 16.7% to DKK 588m, corresponding  

stable price trends and a balanced competitive situation 

to an expense ratio of 10.7, as against 9.5 in 2007. The 

going forward. 

Claims 

increase was a result of several factors. In 2007, expenses 

were favourably influenced by the reversal of a provision 

relating to losses on reinsurers. In 2008, relatively high 

Gross claims expenses at DKK 3,489m were down by 10.6%, 

wage inflation added to the pressure on expenses. More-

or DKK 415m, due to run-off and fewer large claims, which 

over, 2008 was impacted by expenses in connection with 

amounted to DKK 330m (DKK 255m net) in 2008 compared 

“The Living House”. Excluding this expense, the expense 

with DKK 843m (DKK 439m net) in 2007. The underlying 

ratio was 10.5. The expense ratio produced by the Corpo-

trend was an increase in claims in the personal lines. 

rate business is considered competitive and satisfactory.

In 2008, the gross run-off result amounted to DKK 486m 

Combined ratio

(DKK 394m net) and was mainly attributable to motor and 

The combined ratio was 83.4 in 2008, against 86.7 in 

personal lines. In 2007 the gross run-off result totalled 

2007. Run-off gains favourably impacted the combined 

DKK 102m (DKK 84m net). 

ratio by 7.1 percentage points in 2008 compared with  

CORPORATE – PREMIUM DISTRIBUTION BY PRODUCT

1.6 percentage points in 2007. Large claims impacted  

the combined ratio adversely by 4.6 percentage points  

in 2008, as against 8.3 percentage points in 2007.

5%

7%

17%

19%

20%

9%

23%

Motor

Liability

Property, commercial

Personal Lines

Workers’ compensation

Marine

Other

TrygVesta Garantiforsikring was the centre of increased 
focus in 2008 as a result of the construction industry, the 
company’s main business area, being hit by the financial 
crisis. The company pursues a profitability focused under-
writing policy focusing on low risk. The number and size 
of claims were satisfactory in 2008. Risks are reinsured to 
the effect that the greatest loss cannot exceed DKK 
30.0m net of reinsurance. The company recorded a com-
bined ratio of 74.3 in 2008 and contributed DKK 44m to 
the overall performance of Corporate. 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Results l

51 of 152

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Results

Investment activities

DKKm 

Bonds etc. 
Equities * 
Real estate ** 

Total 

Value adjustment, changed discount rate 

Other financial income and expenses *** 

 Return of investments 
2007 

2008  

2006 

Investment assets
End 2007  End 2008

788 
966 
317 

2,071 

368 

-180 

1,103 
180 
240 

1,523 

298 

-81 

1,882 
-887 
263 

30,294 
4,445 
2,569 

29,417
1,172
3,561

1,258 

37,308 

34,150

-478

-340

440

Total return on investment activities 

2,259 

1,740 

Transferred to technical interest 
Return on investment activities   

-1,031 
1,228 

-1,400 
340 

-1,428
-988 

*) 

 DKK 67m sold on futures contracts has been deducted from the equity portfolio 

**)    Return on properties includes a calculated return on owner-occupied property (excl. cost concerning ’’The Living House’’). The 

balancing item is recognised in ’’Other financial income and expenses’’ to the effect that the total return shown corresponds 
to the investment return according to the income statement which does not include return on owner-occupied property.

***)    The item comprises interest on operating assets, bank debt and reinsurance deposits, exchange rate adjustment of insu-

rance items, costs of investment activities and offsetting of return on owner-occupied property. 

TrygVesta’s investment activities comprise any placement 

portions in the autumn with mounting problems in the 

of the Group’s funds in investment assets, such as bonds, 

liquidity markets, peaking so far with the collapse of  

equity investments, land and buildings or cash. Funds are 

Lehman Brothers and AIG. Equity markets dropped by an 

placed pursuant to guidelines defined by legislation, 

aggregate 40%–50%. The proportion of equities in the 

regulators and our Supervisory Board. 

investment portfolio was reduced from DKK 5.4bn in  

mid-2007 to DKK 1.7bn in mid-January 2008. 

The overall allocation of assets is made by TrygVesta 

based on risk and cash management considerations, 

Investment result in 2008

while specific securities are mainly selected by external 

In 2008, the return on TrygVesta’s investment activities 

asset managers within the defined framework.

before transfer to technical interest totalled DKK 1,258m, 

The financial turmoil started in 2007, deepening into a 

due to lower returns on the equity portfolio. Capital 

financial crisis in 2008. The crisis grew to dramatic pro-

losses on equities would have been DKK 1.2bn higher  

equivalent to 3.5%. This was less than in 2007, mainly 

52 of 152

l Results l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
if we had not reduced the equity portfolio during 2007 

Bonds

and 2008. The return on investment activities after trans-

The Group’s overall bond portfolio including cash yielded 

fer to technical interest was DKK 1,328m lower than in 

a return of DKK 1,882m in 2008, equal to 6.1% for the 

2007 due to lower equity returns and an increase in the 

full year. The return in 2008 was affected by an overall 

amount transferred to technical interest. 

drop in bond yields of around 1.2% in Denmark and 2.8% 

in Norway, with yields rising in the first half-year and 

Other financial income and expenses were DKK 259m 

dropping significantly in the second half-year. The mort-

lower. The change was attributable to a number of indi-

gage spread widened drastically in Denmark during the 

vidual items, none of them particularly dominant, and the 

period until 31 October when Danish regulators adopted 

most important being non-recurring interest income in 

a new yield curve for discounting insurance company lia-

2007, higher currency hedging expenses, lower return 

bilities, thereby stabilising demand for Danish mortgage 

due to the acquisition of the head office in Ballerup, and 

bonds. About 75% of the bonds, or DKK 22bn, are issued 

the net result of inflation hedging related to workers’ 

by banks or mortgage credit institutions, and 23% are 

compensation provisions. 

issued by the Danish and Norwegian governments. 92% 

The return on investment activities before other financial 

unrated bonds was reduced from 15% to 5% during the 

income and expenses was DKK 1,258m, equal to a return 

year. The unrated 5% of the portfolio comprises mainly 

of 3.5%. The return was 2.2% including changes in provi-

short-term Norwegian money market certificates issued 

sions for claims due to lower interest rates.

by banks. We have diversified exposure to banks, mainly 

of the portfolio is rated AAA or AA. The proportion of 

Asset allocation

Nordic banks with little or no involvement in the financial 

products that triggered the subprime crisis. We currently 

The bond portfolio increased during 2008 to account for 

monitor the performance of credits with the financial 

86.1% of total investment assets against 81.2% at 1 January 

institutions to which our bonds portfolio is exposed.

2008. The higher proportion of bonds was a result of new 

investments and a switch-over from equities to bonds 

Interest rate sensitivity measures changes in the value of 

despite the head office acquisition. The proportion of 

the bond portfolio and the provisions for claims, respec-

equities fell from 11.9% to 3.4%, or by DKK 3,273m.  

tively, at a parallel yield increase of 1 percentage point. 

The real estate proportion was 10.5% in 2008 against the 

previous 6.9%, primarily attributable to the acquisition of 

We conduct ongoing follow-up on interest rate sensitivity 

the head office at Ballerup. The head office accounted  

to optimise the match between assets and liabilities in 

for 3.9% of total investment assets. 

order to reduce the impact of interest rate changes on 

our income statement. The duration including cash of the 

Net investments in the year made up at the exchange 

Group’s total bond portfolio was 1.7 years at 31 Decem-

rates ruling at 31 December 2008 amounted to about 

ber 2008 compared to 1.9 years at 31 December 2007. 

DKK 156m, of which DKK 918m was invested in bonds, 

while net investments in equities (excluding hedging) 

Equities

were negative at DKK 1,833m and net investments in real 

The total return on the equity portfolio was negative at 

estate amounted to DKK 1,070m. For security and rating 

DKK 887m, or minus 32.8%, for the financial year. The 

considerations, TrygVesta’s investment portfolio has a 

financial crisis and the resulting global economic recession 

high proportion of highly liquid securities carrying low 

have triggered equity market drops over the past year  

interest rate and credit risk. TrygVesta does not invest in 

in line with those seen in previous severe recessions.  

structured fixed income products such as CDOs, CLOs, 

TrygVesta’s total equity return was 0.5% above the bench-

hedge funds or the like.

mark return. International equities generated a negative 

return of 36.6%, which was 2.9% above the benchmark 

return. Nordic equities generated a negative return of 48.1%. 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Results l

53 of 152

Results

For comparison, the VINX Benchmark Cap Index generated a 

Real estate

negative return of 42.4%. Currency risks relating to interna-

The investment return on real estate was DKK 263m 

tional equities were hedged during the year. Unlisted equi-

including revaluation and sales gains of DKK 78m and 

ties accounted for DKK 180m at 31 December 2008. Nestle 

6.0% from current operations. The occupancy rate was 

SA was the largest stake, accounting for 2.9% of the port-

99.0 at 31 December 2008 compared with 97.5 at 1 Janu-

folio of listed equities and 0.09% of total investment 

ary 2008. The portfolio comprises the head office proper-

assets. The 25 largest equities in our portfolio accounted 

ties at Ballerup and Bergen, amounting to around DKK 

for 31.5% of the total listed equity portfolio. After reducing 

1.3bn at 31 December 2008, and a portfolio of investment 

the equity proportion in June and December 2007 by a 

properties of some DKK 2.3bn, consisting of well-diversi-

total of DKK 0.8bn, TrygVesta reduced the equity exposure 

fied quality buildings, typically in prime locations in major 

by an additional DKK 2.2bn in January. At 31 December 

cities in Denmark and Norway. The portfolio mainly com-

2008 the Group’s equity portfolio had a total value of DKK 

prises office premises, but also includes a small proportion 

1,172m compared to DKK 4,445m at 31 December 2007. 

of other commercial property and residential property.

LISTED EQ UITIES BY GEOGRAPHY

RETURN BY ASSET CLASS

15%

20%

25%

10%

30%

Nordic region

UK

Rest of Europe

USA

Asia and others

%

30

20

10

0

-10

-20

-30

-40

20.3

6.1

2.8

3.7

2.0

15.0

10.4

8.4

5.8 4.1 3.5

-32.8

Bonds etc.

Equities

Real estate

Total

2006

2007

2008

BON DS BY  G EOG RAPHY

BONDS BY RATING

7%

28%

5%

3%

13%

65%

79%

Danish bonds

Other

Norwegian bonds and money market

AAA

AA

A

Not rated / other

54 of 152

l Results l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

Our customers 

TrygVesta seeks to constantly create added value for our 

satisfaction was almost unchanged at 72.2. In Denmark, 

customers, confirming them in their choice of peace-of-

we ranked above the average of large companies with 

mind provider. Rather than just providing a financial solu-

respect to customer loyalty while we were below average 

tion in claims situations, our wish is to provide peace of 

in terms of customer satisfaction. Since 2007, we have 

mind by eliminating concerns in everyday life and pre-

seen customer loyalty rise by 4.7 points to 76.9 with  

venting injury or damage. 

satisfaction declining from 75.9 to 74.7. We believe 

expectations to TrygVesta are fairly high.

We have defined ambitious targets of enhancing our 

already good customer loyalty. The peace-of-mind delivery 

Our customer loyalty rating in Norway increased by 5.8 

to customers, one of our strategic focus areas, plays an 

points in 2008 to 74.1, above the industry average. Cus-

important part in our efforts to enhance customer  

tomer satisfaction was at a level with the industry average, 

loyalty. The peace-of-mind delivery is embedded in our 

but dropped 0.7 point to 68.8. Our actual customer loyalty, 

handshake: Compassionate, Dynamic and Innovative. 

measured in terms of retention rates, improved significantly. 

We believe this is a result of our transparent communica-

Meeting customers on their own terms is another strategic 

tion of prices and terms and conditions.

focus area. Our experience is that customers feel greater 

accessibility and pece of mind when they have an online 

Our customers in Finland are some of the most loyal and 

self-service option. This focus resulted in a number of 

satisfied customers in the market. Compared with the 

benefits to customers in 2008 and will also have a great 

previous survey, we also improved our ratings significantly 

impact on our communications with customers in the 

in a number of other areas, such as customer loyalty 

years ahead. 

which at 80.6 points rated significantly above the market 

Customer surveys in 2008 

Customer loyalty is measured on a scale from 1-100 and 

the survey is performed by EPSI, an independent non-

profit organisation. Customer loyalty and satisfaction 

rates in the insurance sector are generally high in the 

Nordic countries compared with other European coun-

tries. The customer satisfaction and loyalty surveys per-

formed in the Nordic region in 2008 showed that the 

industry was generally on a level with 2007. TrygVesta’s 

customer loyalty surged from 73.2 to 78.4 while customer 

average of 75.6. 

The peace-of-mind 

delivery is anchored in 

our handshake: 

Compassionate,  

Dynamic and 

Innovative. 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Results l

55 of 152

Read more about TrygVesta’s customers on the insert 
”Our most important handshake”

In Sweden, TrygVesta was included in the survey for the 

could, for example, opt to receive mail from TrygVesta in 

second time. The survey ranked us second in the market 

e-Boks, their electronic mailbox on the Internet, and more 

in terms of customer loyalty and above average in terms 

than 138,562 Danish customers had registered for this 

of customer satisfaction. 

service by the end of 2008. Norwegian customers wel-

Only three companies have a presence in more than one 

we introduced online sales of travel insurance, one of our 

comed the option of reporting claims online. In Denmark, 

market of the Nordic region: TrygVesta, Codan/Trygg-

core products. 

Hansa and If. TrygVesta continued to record the highest 

overall customer satisfaction score among the Nordic 

We intend to expand the electronic communication with 

companies.

customers further in 2009, emphasising simplicity and 

accessibility. In 2009, it will also be possible for Danish 

Nordic customer communication project

customers to buy the Group’s four other core products 

In 2007, TrygVesta launched a Nordic communication 

(motor, building, contents and personal accident) online. 

project intended to simplify the Group’s written customer 

communications. The language of our insurance terms 

International requirements. Several large commercial 

and conditions is now more customer-friendly and plain 

and corporate customers need to take out insurance  

with a clear layout, giving an easy overview of what is 

globally. In 2008, TrygVesta extended its partnership with 

and what is not included in the policy. 

AXA Corporate Solutions. AXA is one of the world’s larg-

est insurers with a network extending to more than 90 

New customer initiatives in 2008 

countries and with geographical coverage of 95% of the 

TrygVesta intends to increase benefits offered to our cus-

inhabited world. TrygVesta’s partnership with AXA enables 

tomers on an ongoing basis. Our new initiatives in 2008 

us to provide insurance solutions through AXA’s interna-

included: 

tional network to customers requiring insurance for foreign 

subsidiaries and production units. The partnership also 

SundPuls. In 2008, TrygVesta added SundPuls to its 

permits us to benefit from AXA’s specialist knowledge 

offering of health care products. The philosophy behind 

within certain areas. We intend to continue to strengthen 

SundPuls is that prevention is better than cure. SundPuls 

our international competencies in the years ahead, and in 

addresses businesses wanting to offer their employees  

2009 we expect to provide international solutions to our 

to work actively with their health by having a health 

Swedish customers.

check. SundPuls offers advice and guidance, and the 

www.sundpuls.dk portal and the SundPuls telephone  

line provide lifestyle advice. The product supplements  

TrygVesta’s other health care offering to commercial  

customers, comprising the SmerteFri and StressStop  

products. All products emphasise the importance of 

taking action before treatment becomes necessary. 

1)  The benchmarks in the Nordic comparison are simple averages 

of official EPSI country results for companies with a presence in 

E-communication and self-service. One of the 

more than one Nordic market. 

Group’s four strategic focus areas is self-service and  

electronic communication. We set up a Nordic e-business 

centre in 2007, which launched several self-service solu-

2)  Satisfaction and loyalty is measured on a scale from 1-100. 

Sector=average for all companies surveyed. Source: EPSI rating 

(EPSI is an independent non-profit organisation for measuring 

tions and other initiatives in 2008. In Denmark, customers 

customer satisfaction in the Nordic region).

56 of 152

l Results l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS 

CUSTOMER SURVEY – NORDIC REG ION
– PRIVATE CUSTOMERS 1)

Index

84

82

80

78

76

74

72

Denmark

Norway

Sweden

Finland

TrygVesta

Competitor 1

Competitor 2

Competitor 3

Sector

80

78

76

74

72

y
t
l
a
y
o
L

70

68

69

70

71

72

73

74

Satisfaction

TrygVesta 2007

TrygVesta 2008

Sector

Competitor 1 

Competitor 2 

Competitor 3 

CUSTOMER SURVEY – DENMARK
– PRIVATE CUSTOMERS 2)

CUSTOMER SURVEY – NORWAY
– PRIVATE CUSTOMERS 2)

y
t
l
a
y
o
L

80

78

76

74

72

70

70

71

72

73

74

75

76

77

78

Satisfaction

76

74

72

70

y
t
l
a
y
o
L

68

66

67

68

69

70

71

Satisfaction

TrygVesta 2007

TrygVesta 2008

Sector

TrygVesta 2007

TrygVesta 2008

Sector

Competitor 1 

Competitor 2 

Competitor 1 

Competitor 2 

CUSTOMER SURVEY – SWEDEN
– PRIVATE CUSTOMERS 2)

CUSTOMER SURVEY – FINLAND
– PRIVATE CUSTOMERS 2)

y
t
l
a
y
o
L

82

80

78

76

74

72

70

66

67

68

69
Satisfaction

70

71

72

82

80

78

76

y
t
l
a
y
o
L

74

73

74

75

76

77

Satisfaction

TrygVesta 2007

TrygVesta 2008

Sector

TrygVesta 2007

TrygVesta 2008

Sector

Competitor 1 

Competitor 2 

Competitor 1 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Results l

57 of 152

Results

Our employees 

It is our employees at TrygVesta who provide peace of 

included in the survey. Compared with the financial sector 

mind and make a difference for customers. Highly skilled 

in the Nordic region, TrygVesta managers had a particularly 

and motivated employees are our most important asset 

high score, and our ability to provide opportunities for  

and a prerequisite for us to achieve our targets. Human 

professional and personal development was assessed to 

competencies are one of the Group’s four strategic focus 

be stronger than for the industry in general. 

areas. That means ongoing focus on ensuring our employees 

to have the skills and reserves of energy required to handle 

We believe that respect, openness and trust are important 

everyday challenges. This focus area is also about giving 

features for maintaining a good working environment.  

managers and employees latitude and responsibility, and 

The results of the employee survey are therefore used  

we expect managers to create commitment and frame-

proactively in dialogue meetings in all departments. As  

works and to generate results. We give high priority to 

a consequence of the results, focus in 2009 will be on 

innovative thinking and openness towards new ideas,  

communication and employee branding, our performance-

and we believe that helps create an attractive and exciting 

related pay systems and on performance interviews and 

workplace. 

development plans.

Employee survey 2008

“The Living House” and “The Living Organisation”

In order to identify areas where we can improve, we  

The work of converting TrygVesta’s offices in Ballerup, 

conduct bi-annual anonymous employee surveys on topics 

Denmark and Bergen, Norway into modern workplaces 

that include the working environment, satisfaction and 

facilitating innovation, knowledge sharing and a motivating 

well-being. In the intermediate years, we perform meas-

working environment started in 2008. The conversion will 

urements on a smaller scale, taking stock of the working 

be very important for the individual employees, who will 

climate and the activities that have been launched. 

have improved facilities in the form of innovation, meeting 

and quiet rooms as well as recreational and café environ-

The 2008 employee survey showed the same high level of 

ments. Individual workplaces will also be improved with 

employee satisfaction as the status survey in 2007, that 

new equipment and modern design. More than 100 

90% of the Group’s employees were very satisfied or satis-

employees and managers were involved in developing  

fied with working at TrygVesta. As a new feature in 2008, 

the project in 2008, and the first pilot projects were imple-

we compared the results of the employee survey with  

mented. The large conversion projects will start in 2009. 

the Nordic labour markets in general and specifically with 

They will be supported by the roll-out of new IT tools and 

the financial sector in the Nordic region. This comparison 

training in readiness to change for all employees. The 

indicated higher satisfaction levels for TrygVesta than for 

project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2010. 

Nordic companies in general with respect to all areas 

58 of 152

l Results l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

Read more about TrygVesta’s employees on the insert 
”Learning and personal development at TrygVesta”

Recruitment and employee branding

Focus on competence building 

TrygVesta performed a thorough analysis of the Group’s 

We are aware that development is necessary if we want  

recruitment process in 2008, resulting in a large number 

to continue to be perceived as the leading peace-of-mind 

of initiatives to ensure transparency, flow and high quality 

provider in the Nordic region. It is therefore important for 

in the recruitment process.

us to make training and development tools available to 

enable employees and managers to update and develop 

We drafted a Nordic recruitment concept in 2008 to be 

their skills at all times. Training and development activities 

used on print, the Internet and exhibition stands. We also 

are handled by Corporate Learning and TrygVesta Manage-

enhanced the Group’s visibility at career fairs and educa-

ment Academy. The responsibilities of our Corporate 

tional institutions throughout the Nordic region in order  

Learning training unit include employee training and  

to raise our profile in relation to recent graduates. Further-

quality assurance of all in-house and external courses.  

more, for the second time we introduced a Nordic man-

TrygVesta Management Academy is a development unit 

agement trainee programme comprising eight trainees in 

focusing on developing managers and specialists. 

the Nordic region. We worked together with various asso-

ciations and organisations in order strengthen diversity in 

The Management Academy’s projects in 2008 included  

the Group’s recruitment process. In this context, our Group 

TrygVesta’s new talent development programme, which 

CEO took part in a project intended to help young people 

focuses on accelerating the development of a defined 

with an immigrant background and a criminal past gain 

group of talented, ambitious employees. In relation to our 

access to the labour market. 

strategic focus areas we intend to develop talent to ensure 

In 2009, we intend to further develop the opportunities for 

important for adding value to the Group in the years 

employees wishing to work internationally, and we intend 

ahead. In early 2009 we will complete a programme for 

to continue to raise our profile vis-à-vis potential new 

talents with management potential and junior project  

we have competencies in disciplines that are particularly 

employees. 

managers with the potential to drive major projects in  

TrygVesta. As part of the overall talent development  

strategy the next stage of the programme will also  

include managers and industry experts. 

TRYG TRYK  

In 2008 TrygVesta initiated a three-year collaboration with art society 
Kunst foreningen Gl. Strand in Copenhagen under the name Tryg Tryk.  
As part of the arrangement, a lithograph will be made each year that  
will be made available to the Group’s customers and employees. 

Under the agreement, 120 lithographs by artist Ivan Andersen were  
customised in 2008. Half of them were made available to TrygVesta while 
the artist and the art society were entitled to the other half. TrygVesta  
distributed 40 of the lithographs available to it to reward outstanding  
performance by employees who had been recommended by their  
colleagues.

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Results l

59 of 152

Capitalisation and risk management

Risk management is the future

“We consider strategic risk and insurance risk to be the most 
 important types of risk, both of them closely related to our 
business as a general insurer. Our current investment strategy keeps 
investment risk at a satisfactory level. We consider operational risk 
to be less important than the other risk types.”

60 of 152 l Capitalisation and risk management l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

Capitalisation and risk management

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Capitalisation and risk management l

61 of 152

Capitalisation and risk management

Capitalisation and profit distribution 

TRYGVESTA WAS RATED AS FOLLOWS AT 31 DECEMBER 2008

TrygVesta Forsikring A/S 
TrygVesta Garantiforsikring A/S 

 Standard & Poor’s 

Moody’s

“A-“/stable 
“A-“/stable 

 A2
 n.a.

Capital and risk

Our internal risk and capital requirement assessments are 

TrygVesta relies on its capital base and financial strength 

based on the balance sheet model (ALM), which uses 

to assume risks from the customers and for the customers  

stochastic simulation to calculate the necessary capital 

to be confident that TrygVesta is able to meet its obliga-

taking into consideration the actual insurance portfolio 

tions if and when they report a claim. The aim is for the 

mix and profitability, the actual provisioning profile and 

capital base to match the Group’s risk profile and support 

the composition of provisions, the existing reinsurance 

natural growth. Basically, TrygVesta’s capital base is the 

protection and the chosen investment profile. Within this 

result of risk assessments and risk management. This 

framework, it is also possible to quantify the geographic 

basic view thus also determines the dividend policy.

diversification effect and the effect of the investment pol-

Capital requirement

icy under which interest rate risk on the bond portfolio 

matches the corresponding interest rate risk on the dis-

TrygVesta wants the risk and capitalisation to be 

counted provisions, thereby ensuring that TrygVesta’s net 

assessed externally on a regular basis, and therefore  

interest rate risk is negligible for practical purposes (see 

TrygVesta has rating agencies Standard & Poor’s and 

the section on Risk management). TrygVesta calculates its 

Moody’s perform annual interactive credit assessments.

Individual Solvency Need on this basis in accordance with 

the rules effected for Danish insurance companies at 1 July 

This is consistent with TrygVesta’s ambitions and provides 

2007. Under these rules, insurance companies and their 

a good balance with high creditworthiness and powerful 

supervisory boards are required to regularly identify, quan-

financial strength while at the same time avoiding tying 

tify and control all forms of risk, and to calculate and 

up more capital than can be justified by commercial rea-

report the necessary capital on a quarterly basis. TrygVesta 

sons. In practice, an A level rating corresponds to capital 

calculates the necessary capital corresponding to a 99.5% 

of around 52%-56% of premiums, and the agencies seek 

security level on a one-year horizon, equal to the security 

to calibrate the rating so that companies at this level 

level required under Solvency II in the future. As the wish is 

have adequate capital on a one-year horizon with  

to continue to maintain a rating of A-, TrygVesta has made 

99.5% certainty. 

a simplified model based on the Standard & Poor’s capital 

62 of 152

l Capitalisation and risk management l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
model, which is used to determine the capital target and 

TrygVesta intends to pursue a risk-based transparent  

thus dividends. The model is described in more details at 

policy for capital management, and thus also for dividend 

www.trygvesta.com, and is updated on a quarterly basis. 

distribution. At 31 December, a capital requirement is 

determined based on the simplified Standard & Poor’s 

In future, the capital requirement will have to be calcu-

model corresponding to the level of an A-rating plus a 

lated under the EU Solvency II rules, which are expected to 

buffer of 5%. Any capital in excess thereof will be distrib-

be implemented from 2012. See the section on Solvency II 

uted as dividend. Dividend is determined once a year 

implementation on page 16 for a more detailed description. 

while profit is generated on an ongoing basis, and this 

The latest version of the Solvency II draft standard model 

means that the buffer will grow over the year in excess 

was tested in QIS4 (quantitative studies that measure the 

of the 5% originally determined. Buffer growth in 2007 

impact of the new Solvency rules) in the first half of 2008.

and 2008 was 21.5% and 16.5%, respectively.

Dividend policy

Dividend for the 2008 financial year  

Dividend is determined on the basis of the Group’s  

and share buy back

profit distribution policy. 

Profit after tax amounted to DKK 846m in 2008. Pursuant to 

•   TrygVesta distributes 50% of the profit for the year  

our profit distribution policy, this entails a cash distribution 

as ordinary cash dividends.

of dividends totalling DKK 423m or DKK 6.50 per share. 

•   Any excess capital after distribution of ordinary  

TrygVesta’s risk instructions provide for an equity proportion 

dividends and taking into consideration the capital, 

of up to 8.0%. The equity proportion at 31 December 

strategy and growth, will be returned to shareholders 

2008 was 3.4%. The present capital base permits the 

in the form of a share buy back programme. 

increased equity risk within the limits of the risk instruc-

•   The dividend policy reflects our long-term earnings and 

tions. However, as a consequence of the financial crisis 

cash flow potential, while maintaining and appropriate 

and the difficulties involved in procuring additional subor-

level of capitalisation.

dinate capital in the financial markets, we have decided 

not to buy back treasury shares in respect of 2009 in 

order to safeguard TrygVesta’s resources. 

Profit for the year, DKKm 

Cash dividends, DKKm 

Cash dividends per share (DKK) 

Cash payout ratio 

Total buy back, DKKm 

Buy back per share (DKK) 

Total distribution per share (DKK) 

Total distribution, DKKm 

Total payout ratio 

CAR 

Buffer to A level 

Solvency 

2008 

846 

423 

 6.50  

50% 

0 

0 

6  

423 

50% 

N/A 

16% 

2007 

 2,266  

 1,156  

 17  

51% 

 1,405*  

 21  

 38  

2006 

 3,211  

 2,244  

 33  

70% 

2005

 2,097 

 1,428 

 21 

68%

 33  

 21 

 2,561  

 2,244  

 1,428 

113% 

N/A 

5% 

318% 

70% 

128% 

2.4% 

383% 

68%

128,5%

2.8%

362%

*  The share buy back programme was based on our 2007 profit, amounted to DKK 1,405m and was initiated on 4 April 2008. On 2 February 

2009, the programme was extended up to and including 22 April 2009 due to low trading volumes. The programme had been scheduled 

for completion by 2 March 2009. 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Capitalisation and risk management l

63 of 152

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capitalisation and risk management

Capital structure

Credit facility

TrygVesta’s equity amounted to DKK 8,244m at 31 

In 2005, TrygVesta raised a five-year revolving credit facility 

December 2008, and the capital base was DKK 3,926m 

of DKK 2,000m subscribed with eight Danish and inter-

calculated in accordance with legislative requirements. 

national banks. At 31 December 2008, DKK 599m had 

The actual capital as calculated in the Standard & Poor’s 

been utilised under the facility. Interest rate expenses on 

capital model (TAC) was DKK 8,952m at 31 December 

loan capital totalled DKK 100m for 2008. The total debt 

2008. The major differences in the calculation of actual 

ratio was 18.0 at 31 December 2008. 

capital are the treatment of subordinate loan capital 

which is included in the capital base at DKK 685m and  

Financial flexibility

in TAC at DKK 1,102m, as well as the recognition of the 

As a result of the decision not to implement share buy 

discounting effect on provisions. The latter reduced the 

backs on the basis of our 2008 performance, the buffer 

capital base by DKK 721m at 31 December 2008.

relative to an A-level rating in the simplified Standard & 

Poor’s model increases to 16%, 11% or some DKK 850m 

In 2005, TrygVesta raised subordinate loan capital in the 

more than the 5% buffer target.

form of a 20-year bond loan in the amount of EUR 150m, 

which was listed on the London Stock Exchange. The loan, 

TrygVesta’s capital contingency plan describes measures 

which carries a coupon of 4.5%, is included in the capital 

that can be applied in the short term to improve the 

base at DKK 685m and in TAC at DKK 1,102m. Subordi-

Group’s solvency, if required. The plan includes restructur-

nate loan capital accounted for 12% of the capital calcu-

ing of assets from equities to bonds and the buying of 

lated according to Standard & Poor’s capital model for 

proportional reinsurance. These measures together would 

credit purposes in 2008, with the present limit being 25%. 

substitute for around DKK 1,000m capital. The capital 

base could also be increased by the raising of additional 

subordinate loan capital of around DKK 1,100m in rela-

tion to the Standard & Poor’s capital model.

TRYGVESTA – PAYOUT PER SHARE IN DKK

CAPITAL

DKK

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

21

33

21

17

6.5

DKK

12,000

11,000

10,000

9,000

8,000

7,000

6,000

2005

2006

2007

2008

2006

Q1
 07

Q2
 07

Q3 
07

2007 
before
distrib.

2007 
after
distrib.

Q1
 08

Q2
08

Q3
08

2008 
before
distrib.

2008 
after
distrib.

Cash dividend

Share buy back

Capital requirement

Buffer (5%)

Surplus capital

64 of 152

l Capitalisation and risk management l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

Risk management

Being an insurance business, TrygVesta’s concept is to 

create peace of mind for customers by helping them 

manage and handle situations when a claim has occurred. 

Risk management is therefore at the core of the business, 

and it is only natural that TrygVesta also focuses in-house 

on managing the risks that the operations expose the 

Group to. Structured and competent risk management is 

fundamental to maintaining confidence in TrygVesta and 

living up to the vision of being perceived as the leading 

peace-of-mind provider in the Nordic region.

Risk management environment  

and risk identification

The Supervisory Board has overall responsibility for the 

Group’s risk management (see the section on Corporate 

governance). The Supervisory Board defines the risk man-

agement framework, including risk appetite, in the Super-

visory Board’s capital and risk management instructions. 

TrygVesta has set up a number of risk committees and 

drafted policies for the purpose of optimising the control-

ling, monitoring and handling of the present and future 

risk exposure. The supreme body of this structure is the 

risk management committee which, in addition to the 

Group CEO and the Group CFO, consists of the chairmen 

of the respective risk committees. In order to support the 

risk management environment in the best possible way,  

an Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) department has 

been set up as a body anchoring and supporting risk 

management in TrygVesta.

underwriting risk
The risk related to entering into insurance contracts. 
The risk that claims at the end of an insurance  
contract deviate significantly from our assumptions 
when pricing at inception of the contract. 
Handled by the Underwriting reinsurance committee

Provisioning risk
We make technical provisions at the end of a financial 
period to cover expected future payments for claims 
already incurred. Provisioning risk is the risk that future 
payments deviate significantly from our assumptions 
when making the provisions.
Handled by the Provisions committee 

Investment risk
The risk that volatility of financial markets impacts  
our results. Interest rate risk constitutes a major part  
of investment risk. Interest rate risk is the risk of  
fluctuating market interest rates. 
Handled by the Investment risk committee

Strategic risk
The risk of changes to the conditions under which  
we operate, including changed legislation, competition, 
partnerships or market conditions.
Handled by the Risk management committee

Operational risk
The risk of errors, fraud or failures in internal 
procedures, systems and processes. 
Handled by the Operational risk committee

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Capitalisation and risk management l

65 of 152

 
Capitalisation and risk management

In addition to the risk management committee TrygVesta 

the adequacy of the control environment. Such data is com-

has set up four special committees to handle the risk  

piled in TrygVesta’s risk data base, which forms the basis for 

management process within the areas of

further processing in the risk management environment in 

•  underwriting and reinsurance

the representation of TrygVesta’s overall risk exposure. The 

•  provisions

•  investment risk

risk exposure is supplemented by a number of scenarios 

illustrating the consequences of special events that may 

•  operational risk and security.

impact several risks simultaneously. The Group’s overall risk 

exposure is presented in an annual risk report submitted to 

The special committees report to the risk management 

the Executive Management and the Supervisory Board.

committee, and their chairmen are also members of the 

risk management committee. 

There is a direct correlation between the scenarios  

identified by the risk managers and the Group’s calcula-

The risk management committee is directly responsible  

tion of its Individual Solvency Need. 

for strategic risk management and capital management.  

All committees focus on risk management and have no 

business responsibility. 

The business units are involved in the risk management 

environment through membership of the relevant commit-

tees, as risk managers and as participants in the annual 

RISK IDENTIFICATION 
AND RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESS

Instructions 
& risk appetite

mapping of risk, through compliance with and implementa-

Risk report

I d e n t ification
o f  risk 

Risk database

tion of policies and controls, including by setting up rules 

with respect to authority, binding signatures and implemen-

Data

tation of the relevant system support. A standard project 

model is applied for implementing TrygVesta’s strategy in 

specific projects, of which risk assessment is an integral ele-

ment. TrygVesta has defined a structured process for map-

ping risk throughout the Group. The risk managers describe 

risk, assess the potential impact and probability and evaluate 

rting 

o
p
e
R

M

a

n

a

Risk 
managers

g

e risk             M i

t i g

Q

u

s

a

c

l

i

e

f

i

n

c

a

r
i

a
t
i

o
s

o
n

Capital

a tion

Individual 
Solvency

Business 
contingency plans 

Controls

Business 
processes

Supervisory
Board

Executive
committee

Risk management environment

Organisation

Risk appetite

Instructions

Risk management committee

Policies

Risk managers

Capital 

Strategy

Crisis management

Risk identification

Risk management

Risk reporting
Recommen-
dations

Underwriting
Reinsurance
committee

Provisions
committee

Investment
risk
committee

Operational
risk
committee

Systematic 
risk 
evaluation

TrygVesta’s risk management environment anchored in the Supervisory Board and business areas, and the risk identification process

66 of 152

l Capitalisation and risk management l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
The Individual Solvency Need is determined by calculating 

INSURANCE RISK

one-year consequences of such risk scenarios and con-

verting them to the level of probability on the basis of 

Effect

which the capital is made up. An element covering the 

worst case of such sub-scenarios overlapping is added  

to the Individual Solvency Need.   

The individual risks are grouped into five risk types: 

underwriting/reinsurance risk, provisioning risk, invest-

ment risk, strategic risk and operational risk. All risk  

types are treated in the risk identification process and 

described in the following. The three charts show a  

simplified representation of some of these risks. 

The mapping process shows that insurance risk and  

strategic risk are the most dominanting risks followed  

by investment risk. Operational risk is less important  

than the other risk types.

Risk types

underwriting and reinsurance risk

underwriting risk

Underwriting risk is the risk related to entering into insur-

ance contracts and thus the risk that premiums charged 

do not adequately cover the liabilities TrygVesta has 

assumed. The risk may materialise as losses either as a 

result of single events or over a period of time due to a 

general adverse trend in the performance of claims or to 

premiums that are too low. Conversely, there is also a risk 

that premiums charged are too high, resulting in a loss  

Provisions

Adverse claims development

Under-
reinsurance

Adverse risk selection

Lack of growth

Probability

OPERATIONAL RISK

Effect

Legislation

IT-systems

Fraud

Errors and default in processes

Probability

of competitiveness. TrygVesta manages underwriting  

INVESTMENT RISK

risk through tariffs and by monitoring profitability on an 

ongoing basis as well as through business procedures, 

acceptance policies and authorities. Single events are 

controlled and protected, primarily through reinsurance. 

The risk related to underlying trends is controlled through 

close follow-up and extensive reporting on the most 

important key ratios of the individual insurance areas. 

Effect

The charts show the distribution of risk types (and individual 

risks) in a risk map representing risk according to assessed 

probability and potential impact. 

Equities

Real estate

Credit and 
concentration risk

Liquity

Currency

Interest rate and spread risk

Probability

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Capitalisation and risk management l

67 of 152

 
Capitalisation and risk management

BREAKDOWN OF PREMIUMS
CEDED BY REINSURER’S RATING

BREAKDOWN OF BALANCES WITH
REINSURERS BY REINSURER’S RATING

BBB
7%

AAA
3%

AA
42%

A
48%

BB
5%

Not rated
8%

AAA
2%

A
33%

AA
52%

Reinsurance

In addition, TrygVesta also buys reinsurance for certain 

Reinsurance is an important element of the day-to-day risk 

lines for which experience has shown that claims vary 

management. The ongoing risk management is supported 

considerably. The largest single risks in the corporate 

by TrygVesta’s internal ALM model, which is also used for 

portfolio are property risks protected by reinsurance cover 

assessing the impact of different reinsurance alternatives. 

up to DKK 1.5bn/NOK 1.6bn/SEK 1.8bn with a retention of 

The Group buys reinsurance for the aggregate Nordic busi-

DKK/NOK/SEK 100m for the first claim and DKK/NOK/SEK 

ness, thereby generating substantial price synergies.

50m for subsequent claims. For property risks exceeding 

the upper level, facultative reinsurance is bought. Other 

For property risks, major events in 2009 are protected by 

lines covered by reinsurance include liability and motor, 

catastrophe reinsurance of DKK 5bn with a retention up  

marine, fish farms and guarantee insurance. 

to a maximum of DKK 105m in Denmark and NOK 105m in 

Norway. The primary risk of single events is claims caused 

Exposure to terrorist losses of a biological, chemical or 

by storm. TrygVesta has defined the level of cover using 

radioactive character can be covered only partly by rein-

simulation models to the effect that protection would  

surance today. TrygVesta has for several years played an 

statistically be inadequate less than once every 250 years.  

active role under the Danish Insurance Association in the 

TrygVesta’s exposure to natural disasters in Norway is  

work to establish a national arrangement to address this 

furthermore limited through participation in the  

issue. The work was finalised in 2008 with the Danish 

Norwegian Pool of Natural Perils.

Folketing passing the act on a terrorist insurance arrange-

The catastrophe reinsurance programme also covers other 

vides for the government to provide a guarantee of up  

catastrophe events, including terrorist-related events, for 

to DKK 15bn for the total Danish market to cover such 

up to DKK 3.75bn, with terrorist events being covered for 

losses in excess of the level that can be protected in  

ment in the general insurance area in June. The act pro-

buildings, building contents and consequential loss for risks 

the reinsurance market. 

with a total insured value of up to DKK 500m. TrygVesta 

has bought catastrophe reinsurance up to DKK 1.5bn for 

In the event of a major insurance event comprised by the 

the personal accident and workers’ compensation policies 

reinsurance programme TrygVesta may have large balances 

with a retention of DKK 50m, covering the risk of multiple 

outstanding with reinsurers, and thus be exposed to credit 

injuries from the same cause, including terror. 

risk. TrygVesta manages this risk by defining requirements 

to reinsurers’ ratings and spreading the reinsurance on  

68 of 152

l Capitalisation and risk management l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
several reinsurers. In addition, TrygVesta has set up a 

revalued by the wage inflation rate each year. This exposes 

security committee focusing specifically on managing 

TrygVesta to explicit inflation risk in case of changes in 

credit risk in connection with reinsurance receivables.

Danish wage inflation. TrygVesta hedges such risk using 

an inflation swap.

Provisioning risk

After the period of the policy’s cover has expired, in- 

surance risk relates to the provisions for claims made  

to cover future payments on claims already incurred.  

SENSITIVITY IN CASE OF SELECTED CHANGES  
IN uNDERWRITING, PROVISIONING AND MARKET  
CONDITIONS

Customers generally report claims with a certain delay. 

RISKS IMPACTING PROFIT

Depending on the complexity of the claim, a fairly long 

period of time may pass until the claim has been finally 

calculated. This may be a prolonged process particularly 

for personal injuries. Even when the claim has been  

settled there is a risk that it will be resumed at a later 

date, triggering further payments. 

The size of the provisions for claims is determined  

both through individual assessments and statistical  

calculations. At 31 December 2008, the provisions for 

claims amounted to DKK 19,715m with an average  

duration of 3.3 years. 

EXPECTED CASH FLOWS FROM PROVISIONS FOR  
CLAIMS IN DENMARK AND NORWAY , DKK

  Total  0-1 years  1-2 years  2-3 years  > 3 years

  19,271 

7,182 

3,397 

2,202 

6,490

Most of the provisions for claims relate to personal injury 

claims. They are exposed, among other risks, to changes 

in inflation, the discount rate (see also the heading inter-

est rate risk under investment risk), disbursement pat-

terns, economic trends, legislation and court decisions. 

The calculation of provisions for claims will always be 

subject to considerable uncertainty. TrygVesta manages 

this risk through a provisioning policy, model analysis, 

control calculations, follow-up and reviews in order to ob-

tain the best possible match between provisions and 

claims payments. Historically, many insurers have experi-

enced substantial negative as well as positive impacts on 

profit (run-off) resulting from provisioning risk, and that 

may also happen in future. Provisions for claims relating 

to annuities in Danish workers’ compensation insurance 

are discounted using the current market rate and are also 

INSuRANCE RISK
underwriting risk 
Increase in claims expenses of 1% 
Decrease in premium rates by 1%   
Weather related claims of DKK 5.5bn   
(reinsurance coverage DKK 5bn)  

Provisioning risk
Increase in social inflation by 1% 
Error estimation of e.g. 10%   
on workers’ compensation and motor 

DKKm
-129
-176

-600

-520

-1,099

MARKET RISK 
Investment risk
Interest rate market – increase in interest rates of 1%
Impact on fixed interest securities                          -512
562
Higher discounting of provisions for claims 

Equity market
Decrease of equity markets of 15%  
Impact arising from derivatives 

Real estate market
Decrease of real estate markets of 15%  

Currency market
Decrease of NOK of 15% relative  
to DKK impacts profit    
Decrease of exchange rates of balance 
sheet items in foreign currencies of 15% 
Impact arising from hedging 

-186
10

-534

-107

76
-90

RISK ADJuSTED OVER EQ uITY

MARKET RISK
Investment risk
Interest rate market – increase in interest rates of 1%
Impact on Norwegian pension obligation  

157

Currency market
Decrease of exchange rates of equity 
in foreign currencies of 15% 
Impact arising from hedging 

-342
342

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Capitalisation and risk management l

69 of 152

Capitalisation and risk management

IMPACT ON FIXED-INTEREST SECuRITIES
AND PROVISIONS

BEFORE THE FINANCIAL CRISIS

2000

Liabilities

1500

1000

500

Assets

-2000

-1500 -1000

-500

500

1000

1500

2000

-500

-1000

-1500

-2000

Perfect match

90 out of 100 years

Investment risk

Investment risk is the risk that volatility in the financial  

markets will impact the results of operations and thus the 

financial position. TrygVesta defines the asset mix based on 

the investment policies approved by the Supervisory Board, 

including limits on types of assets and the geographic distri-

bution and risk profile of bonds, equities and real estate for 

each company in the Group. The asset mix and investment 

activities focus mainly on interest rate risk, security and 

liquidity. 

Interest rate risk

Fluctuating interest rate levels is one of the most important 

elements in determining investment risk. As TrygVesta fur-

thermore discounts provisions for claims in accordance with 

the IFRS accounting rules (market value), the provisions for 

claims are also exposed to interest rate risk. If interest rates 

AFTER INCREASE IN INTEREST RATE SPREAD

fall, the value of the Group’s bond portfolio would increase, 

2000

Liabilities

claims to rise. Changes in the level of interest rates thus 

but at the same time it would cause the provisions for 

1500

1000

500

Assets

have an opposite effect on assets and liabilities. An important 

element of TrygVesta’s risk management is to have a bond 

portfolio mix ensuring that the two opposite effects are 

-2000

-1500 -1000

-500

500

1000

1500

2000

counterbalanced as exactly as possible.

-500

-1000

-1500

-2000

The portfolio of fixed-interest securities stood at DKK 29.5bn 

at 31 December 2008, while the provisions for claims dis-

counted using a market rate amounted to DKK 19.7bn, net 

Perfect match

90 out of 100 years

of reinsurance. The respective durations were 1.7 and 3.3 

AFTER INTRODUCTION OF NEW DISCOUNTING 
CURVE (OCTOBER 2008)

2000

Liabilities

1500

1000

500

Assets

-2000

-1500 -1000

-500

500

1000

1500

2000

-500

-1000

-1500

-2000

years. The difference in duration is attributable to the bond 

portfolio being significantly larger than the discounted  

provisions. A parallel shift of interest rates of 1% would 

reduce the market value of the securities by DKK 512m, 

while the opposite impact on provisions would be DKK 562m, 

triggering a net impact of DKK 50m.   

TrygVesta intends to minimise the net interest rate expo-

sure, and will therefore in 2009 start dividing total invest-

ment assets into a hedge portfolio and an active portfolio. 

The hedge portfolio will consist exclusively of interest-bear-

ing assets, as far as possible matching the expected cash 

flow from the discounted provisions. Accordingly, the net 

interest rate exposure of the hedge portfolio together with 

Perfect match

90 out of 100 years

the provisions would be approximately nil to a random 

change in the yield curve.

70 of 152

l Capitalisation and risk management l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
The first figure shows by stochastic simulation based on 

The equity portfolio primarily focuses on the large, liquid 

TrygVesta’s internal model the impact of value adjustment 

equity markets in Europe and the USA (see the graph in 

on liabilities and on assets in the hedge portfolio. Based 

the section on Investment activities). TrygVesta has 

on the internal model, the Group has calculated that the 

defined a strategy with relatively little exposure to the 

net interest rate risk would have a 90% certainty to stay 

Nordic region (around 20% at 31 December 2008) in 

within a range of +/- DKK 115m. 

order to reduce company risk, because a few companies 

Value adjustments of assets are determined by yield 

Furthermore, TrygVesta has tied each equity mandate to 

changes on the actual bond portfolio, which to a great 

a recognised benchmark (MSCI), which is monitored 

extent comprises Danish mortgage bonds, while the 

closely. The 25 largest equities in the portfolio accounted 

counteracting adjustments of provisions are determined 

for some 32% of the total listed equity portfolio at 31 

account for large parts of the markets in these countries. 

by changes in the discount curve prescribed by the Dan-

December 2008. 

ish Financial Supervisory Authority. Until recently, this 

curve was calculated as the Euro zero-coupon yield curve 

TrygVesta reduced its proportion of equities significantly 

plus a spread between the Danish and German govern-

in January 2008. The equity proportion accounted for 

ment zero coupon yield curve. In connection with the 

3.4% at 31 December 2008 against 11.9% at the end of 

financial crisis the spread between mortgage bond yields 

2007 and 15.4% in May 2007. This reduction has limited 

and government bond yields has widen significantly. 

the Group’s equity losses significantly. Overall, the finan-

When updating the internal model to account for an 

cial crisis triggered equity losses of DKK 887m. In 2008, 

interest rate scenario as seen in 2008, the net interest 

TrygVesta bought the head office in Ballerup, thereby 

rate risk is increasing significantly, as illustrated in the 

increasing the proportion of real estate significantly. The  

second figure on page 70. In this situation, the net inter-

proportion is expected to be reduced over time.

est rate risk would have a 90% certainty to fluctuate 

within a range of +/- DKK 260m. In response to the prob-

Currency risk

lems the financial crisis has caused for life insurers in  

TrygVesta is exposed to exchange rate fluctuations. This 

particular, the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority in 

exposure is minimised through currency derivatives, and 

October 2008 revised the methodology for calculating 

cash flows are mostly matched. The Group’s premium 

the yield curve for discounting the provisions of Danish 

income in foreign currency is mostly matched by claims 

insurance companies. The calculation now considers 

and expenses in the same currencies, primarily NOK, EUR, 

developments in Danish mortgage bonds to a much 

SEK and USD. This means that an expected profit would 

greater extent. Using the new methodology, TrygVesta’s 

be adversely impacted by depreciating exchange rates rel-

internal model shows a significant reduction in the net 

ative to DKK. TrygVesta does not hedge the remaining, 

interest rate risk to a level where fluctuations would in 

limited currency risk in connection with future cash flows 

90% of the cases be within a range of +/- DKK 120m. 

in foreign currencies.

Equity and real estate risk

TrygVesta uses currency derivatives to hedge the risk of a 

The equity and real estate portfolios are exposed to 

loss of value of balance sheet items due to exchange rate 

changes in equity markets and real estate markets, 

fluctuations in accordance with a general hedge ratio of 

respectively. TrygVesta manages such risk through invest-

90–100% for each currency. The aim is to hedge 98–100% 

ment limits for various asset classes. In certain circum-

of the net book value of the Norwegian entity. 

stances, TrygVesta also uses interest rate and equity 

derivatives in the investment activities. 

NOK depreciated from 93.51 to 75.72, or 19%, against 

DKK in 2008. This was the main reason for the year’s 

negative DKK 640m exchange rate adjustment of the 

value of the foreign entities. Under the hedge policy, this 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Capitalisation and risk management l

71 of 152

Capitalisation and risk management

currency risk was hedged with a resulting gain of DKK 

tice, the work is organised through a structure of 

615m. The net effect was thus negative at DKK 25m. 

procedures, controls and guidelines that cover the vari-

Both items have been taken directly to equity.

ous aspects of the Group’s operations, including the IT 

Credit risk

security policy. TrygVesta has also set up a security and 

investigation unit to handle matters such as fraud, IT 

Credit risk is the risk of incurring a loss if counterparties 

security, physical security and contingency plans. 

fail to meet their obligations. In connection with the 

investment activities, the primary counterparties are bond 

In order to avoid any unintentional violations of competi-

issuers and counterparties in other financial instruments. 

tion law, a competition law training programme for the 

TrygVesta manages credit risk and concentration risk 

entire organisation has been completed.

through investment limits and rating requirements (see 

the section on Investment activities for an overview of 

TrygVesta has prepared contingency plans to handle the 

the bond portfolio distributed on ratings and geography). 

most important areas, such as the contingency plans in 

Receivables with Danish banks are covered by a govern-

the individual parts of the business to handle an event of 

ment guarantee from October 2008 to 2010.

a prolonged IT breakdown. The Group has also set up a 

crisis management structure should TrygVesta be hit by a  

The financial crisis in 2007 and 2008 emphasised the 

major crisis.

importance of managing risk, including credit risk.  

TrygVesta has no investments in sub-prime loans,  

CDOs or similar products, and accordingly has not 

Strategic risk

incurred financial losses in this respect in connection  

Strategic risk relates to TrygVesta’s choice of strategic 

with the financial crisis. 

position, including IT strategy, time-to-market, business 

Read more in the section on Investment activities on 

tions, including the competitive environment, falling pre-

partners and reputation as well as changed market condi-

page 52. 

Debtor risk

mium rates and developments in New Markets.

Strategic risk is managed through a strategic planning 

There is a risk that customers fail to pay for their insur-

process. The Supervisory Board defines the overall strategy 

ance. Accordingly, TrygVesta has intensified efforts and 

within the framework of the Group’s corporate vision, and 

processes towards customers with an account arrange-

the Group Executive Management uses this as the basis 

ment, large customers and commercial customers in sec-

for further strategy work. The balanced scorecard is used 

tors strongly impacted by economic trends. A separate 

as a tool to ensure current follow-up on the implementa-

review has been made of ratings for customers with large 

tion of the strategy and the initiatives launched in the 

premium volumes in order to assess the risk of bankruptcy.

business areas. During the year, the strategy is managed 

Provisions for debtor risk were increased in 2008 by 13% 

low up on the balanced scorecard performance by busi-

to DKK 120m in 2008.

ness areas and staff functions. TrygVesta maintains full 

in Executive Management meetings and meetings to fol-

Operational risk

strategic focus on the business partners, and protects the 

reputation through corporate values, by maintaining 

focus on handling complaints and through internal and 

Operational risk relates to errors or failures in internal 

external communication policies. The Group also continu-

procedures, fraud, breakdown of infrastructure, IT security 

ously monitors the market to ensure that the assessment 

and similar factors. As operational risks are mainly inter-

of external conditions rely on an up-to-date basis, be it 

nal, TrygVesta focuses on establishing an adequate con-

competitors’ market initiatives, new legislation or other 

trolling environment in the Group’s operations. In prac-

external factors that may impact the Group. 

72 of 152

l Capitalisation and risk management l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

The overall risk exposure

TrygVesta considers strategic risk and insurance risk 

(underwriting and provisions) to be the most important 

types of risk TrygVesta is exposed to. Both types of risk 

are closely related to the operations as a general insurer. 

Investment risk is at a satisfactory level due to the current 

investment strategy. TrygVesta considers the operational 

risk to be less important than the other risk types.

The financial crisis has had an adverse impact on TrygVesta 

albeit only to a fairly limited extent, thereby illustrating the 

results of effective risk management in the Group. TrygVesta 

considers the risk identification process and overall risk 

exposure to be satisfactory relative to the risk appetite 

defined by the Supervisory Board. However, TrygVesta is 

continuously seeking to optimise the relationship between 

risk and return and to reduce unwanted risks further.

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Capitalisation and risk management l

73 of 152

Corporate governance

Corporate governance is the future

“At TrygVesta, we promote management behaviour that supports our 
business and our peace-of-mind delivery. Managers are responsible for 
pursuing our vision and creating value for our stakeholders in a sound 
and profitable manner. Our commitment and responsibility to the 
world around us support our business further.”

74 of 152 l Corporate governance l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

Corporate governance

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Corporate governance l

75 of 152

Corporate governance

Supervisory Board 

Mikael Olufsen

Bodil Nyboe Andersen

Jørn Wendel Andersen

Paul Bergqvist

Christian Brinch

Mikael Olufsen
Chairman of the Supervisory 
Board and chairman of the  
remuneration committee  
Born 1943. Joined the  
Supervisory Board in 2002

Ms Nyboe Andersen has competencies within 

the areas of management, strategy, treasury 

and financial business from her former positi-

ons as Chairman of the Board of Governors of 

Danmarks Nationalbank and Managing Director 

of Andelsbanken. 

Number of shares held: 100. 

Christian Brinch
Born 1946. Joined the  
Supervisory Board in 2007

Chief executive of his own business.  

Professional board member. Norwegian 

citizen. Former President and CEO of  

Helicopter Services Group ASA and Executive 

Vice President of ABB Norge. 

Educational background: Norway’s naval 

academy, PMD Harvard Business School. 

Chairman of Hafslund AS, Sørco AS, HV IV Invest 

Alfa AS, Kjell Ostnes AS, Østnes Aero AS, Østnes 

Jørn Wendel Andersen
Born 1951. Joined the Super- 
visory Board in 2002

CFO, Arla Foods amba. 

Educational background: MSc (Business Eco-

Defence AS, Helicopter Network AS, Fortissimo AS, 

nomics), IMD Executive Development Programme, 

Line Consult AS, Gluteus AS and Røa Invest AS. 

IMD “Strategy in Action” Programme, and  

Deputy chairman of Technor AS, Sørcogrup-

Leadership Assessment – Heidrick & Struggles.  

pen AS, Technor Holding AS, Norges Statsbaner 

Chairman of Arla Insurance Company (Guernsey) 

AS, Prosafe AS and Prosafe Production AS. 

Ltd. (Captive), Arla Foods Finance A/S and Fidan A/S. 

Board member of TrygVesta A/S, TrygVesta 

Board member of TryghedsGruppen smba, 

Forsikring A/S, STG Engineering AS, Subsea 

TrygVesta A/S, TrygVesta Forsikring A/S, Arla 

Technology Group AS, STG Products AS, Thor Dahl 

Foods AB, Arla Foods International, AF A/S, 

Management AS and Thor Dahl Shipping AS. 

Tholstrup Cheese A/S, Tholstrup Cheese  

Mr Brinch runs his own business providing 

Holding A/S and Tholstrup Taulov A/S. 

strategic consulting and board services. Mr 

Brinch has experience and knowledge within 

Mr Wendel Andersen has experience in  

the areas of strategic development, branding, 

international management, strategy, finance, 

distribution and consulting services with re-

treasury, IT and project management from his 

spect to board work.

current position as CFO of Arla Foods.

Number of shares held: 500. 

Number of shares held: 1,078.

Paul Bergqvist
Member of the remuneration 
committee. Born 1946. Joined 
the Supervisory Board in 2006

Professional board member. Swedish  

citizen. Former CEO of Carlsberg A/S. 

Educational background: Economist,  

engineer. 

Chairman of Sverige Bryggerier AB, East  

Capital Explorer ABvaigzdes AB and HTC AB. 

Board member of TrygVesta A/S, TrygVesta 

Forsikring A/S, Telenor ASA, Lantmännen, Nova 

Linija, Björk Eklund Group AB and Svenska Re-

turpack AB. 

Mr Bergqvist has international management 

experience in strategic development, complex 

transactions, development of new markets, 

marketing, sales and financial management.

Number of shares held: 100. 

Niels Bjørn Christiansen 
Born 1966. Joined the  
Supervisory Board in 2006

CEO, Danfoss A/S. Former Executive Vice 

President and COO, GN Store Nord A/S. 

Educational background: B.Sc., E.E., MSc 

(Engineering), MBA Insead. 

Chairman of Danfoss Compressors Holding 

A/S, Danfoss Industries Private Limited, India 

and Sea Recovery Inc. 

Deputy chairman of Danfoss (Tianjin)  

Limited, China. 

Board member of TrygVesta A/S, TrygVesta 

Forsikring A/S, Bang & Olufsen A/S, Axcel A/S, 

Danfoss Universe, Danfoss Drives A/S, Danfoss 

Ejendomsselskab A/S, Danfoss Ventures A/S, 

Danfoss International A/S, Danfoss Bauer GmbH, 

Germany, Danfoss Semco A/S, Danfoss-Murman 

Holding A/S, Sauer-Danfoss Inc., Provinsindustri-

ens Arbejdsgiverforening and DI Hovedbestyrelse. 

Professional board member. Former CEO 

of Toms Chokoladefabrikker A/S. 

Educational background: MSc (Forestry); 

PMD Harvard Business School. 

Chairman of TryghedsGruppen smba,  

TrygVesta A/S, TrygVesta Forsikring A/S,  

Malaplast Co. Ltd. Bangkok, Advisory Board  

of CareWorks Africa Ltd. and The Danish  

Rheumatism Association. 

Deputy chairman of the Board of Trustees of the 

Egmont Foundation. Egmont International Holding 

A/S, Ejendomsselskabet Gothersgade 55 ApS and 

Ejendomsselskabet Vognmagergade 11 ApS. 

Board member of WWF in Denmark and  

Danmark-Amerika Fondet.

Mr Olufsen has experience in managing large 

international companies, including strategic de-

velopment, and experience as a board member 

of Danish and international companies.

Number of shares held: 3,018. 

Bodil Nyboe Andersen
Deputy chairman of the Super-
visory Board and chairman of the 
audit committee. Born 1940. Joined 
the Supervisory Board in 2006

Former Chairman of the Board of  

Governors, Danmarks Nationalbank  

(Danish Central Bank).  

Educational background: MSc (Economics). 

Chairman of The University of Copenhagen, 

The Danish Red Cross and The Laurids Andersen 

Foundation. 

Deputy chairman of TrygVesta A/S, TrygVesta 

Forsikring A/S and The Danish Film Institute. 

Board member of The Villum Kann Rasmussen 

Foundation, The Danish-Norwegian Collaboration 

Foundation and The Energy Technological De-

velopment and Demonstration Programme 

(Energiteknologisk Udviklings- og Demonstrations 

Program).

76 of 152

l Corporate governance l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

Niels Bjørn Christiansen 

John R. Frederiksen

Rune Torgeir Joensen

Peter Wagner Mollerup

Birthe Petersen

Per Skov

Berit Torm

Mr Christiansen has experience with interna-

tional businesses, including from his work at 

Danfoss and GN Store Nord A/S. He has compe-

tencies within management, strategy, IT,  

processes, distribution, innovation, production, 

finance and private and listed companies.

Number of shares held: 100. 

John R. Frederiksen
Member of the remuneration 
committee. Born 1948. Joined 
the Supervisory Board in 2002

CEO, Fortunen A/S, Oak Property  

Invest Aps and Berco ApS. Former chief 

executive of Jacob Holm & Sønner A/S  

and Bastionen A/S. 

Educational background: Business training. 

Chairman of Hellebo Park A/S, RenHold A/S, 

Renoflex-Gruppen A/S, Renholdningsselskabet 

af 1898, SBS Rådgivning A/S, SBS Byfornyelse 

Rune Torgeir Joensen
Elected by the employees and  
member of the audit committee. 
Born 1956. Joined the Super- 
visory Board in 2008

Department manager with TrygVesta  

Forsikring A/S. Norwegian citizen. 

Educational background: Printer, market 

economist, HMS adviser. 

Per Skov
Member of the audit committee. 
Born 1941. Joined the Super- 
visory Board in 1998 

Professional board member.  

Former CEO of FDB. 

Educational background: MSc (Economics), 

management training programme at MIT. 

Chairman of Utility Development A/S and NX 

Board member of TrygVesta A/S and  

Holding A/S. 

TrygVesta Forsikring A/S.

Member of Advisory Board TrygVesta Norge. 

Number of shares held: 28. 

Peter Wagner Mollerup
Elected by the employees.  
Born 1966. Joined the  
Supervisory Board in 2002

Deputy chairman of TryghedsGruppen smba. 

Board member of TrygVesta A/S, TrygVesta 

Forsikring A/S, Dagrofa A/S, DSV A/S, Kemp & 

Lauritzen A/S, Nordea Liv og Pension Livs- 

forsikringsselskab A/S.

From his board work and former positions,  

including as CEO of FDB, Mr Skov has  

experience within management, strategy  

and finance.

Commercial insurance agent with  

Number of shares held: 2,468. 

Berit Torm
Elected by the employees.  
Born 1959. Joined the Super- 
visory Board in 2008

Claims Manager  

with TrygVesta Forsikring A/S. 

Educational background: LL.M. 

Board member of TrygVesta A/S and  

TrygVesta Forsikring A/S.

Member of Furesø local council. 

Number of shares held: 69.

Smba, Sjælsø Danmark A/S, Sjælsø Gruppen A/S, 

TrygVesta Forsikring A/S 

Ejendomsforeningen Danmark, Komplementar-

Educational background: Certified insurer, 

selskabet Uglen ApS and Grundejernes  

Investeringsfond.

Board member of TryghedsGruppen smba, 

TrygVesta A/S, TrygVesta Forsikring A/S, Fortunen 

A/S, Freja Ejendomme A/S (Statens Ejendoms-

travel agency guide, psychotherapist. 

Chairman of The Association of Insurance 

Agents and Account Managers in TrygVesta  

Forsikring A/S and The Association of Danish 

Certified Insurers within the Danish Financial 

salg A/S), Højgård Ejendomme A/S, Oak Property 

Services Union.

Invest Aps, C.W. Obel Ejendomme A/S, C.W. 

Board member of TrygVesta A/S, TrygVesta 

Obel Projekt A/S, Ejendomsaktieselskabet Knud 

Forsikring A/S and The Danish Financial  

Højgaards Hus, BERCO Deutschland GmbH,  

Services Union.

Invista Foundation Holding Company Limited, 

Number of shares held: 219. 

SIPA (Scandinavian International Property  

Association), Invista Foundation Property Trust 

Limited, Invista Foundation Property Limited,  

Invista Foundation Property No. 2 Limited and 

Invista European Real Estate Trust SICAF. 

Member of the advisory board of Sparinvest 

Property Fund K/S and President of European 

Property Federation, Brussels.

Mr Frederiksen has experience within  

management, strategy and finance from serving 

as a CEO and most recently as a board member 

of a number of companies, including property 

companies. 

Number of shares held: 280. 

Birthe Petersen
Elected by the employees and 
member of the remuneration 
committee. Born 1949. Joined 
the Supervisory Board in 1996

Principal administrative officer of TrygVesta  

Forsikring A/S. 

Educational background: Diploma in business 

studies, management training programme of 

The Organisation of Danish Insurance Employees. 

Board member of TrygVesta A/S, TrygVesta  

Forsikring A/S and The Organisation of Danish 

Insurance Employees.  

Number of shares held: 71. 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Corporate governance l

77 of 152

Corporate governance

Group Executive Management

Peter Falkenham

Morten Hübbe

Kjerstin Fyllingen

Stine Bosse

Lars Bonde

Stig Ellkier-Pedersen

78 of 152

l Corporate governance l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

Christine (Stine) Bosse
Group CEO. Born 1960.  
Joined TrygVesta in 1987.  
Joined the Group Executive  
Management in 1999 

Member of the Executive Management of 

TrygVesta A/S. Member of the Executive  

Management of TrygVesta Forsikring A/S. 

Educational background: LL.M, management tra-

ining programmes, including Insead and Wharton. 

Chairman of The Danish Insurance Association, 

Hjertebarnsfonden, Tryg Ejendomme A/S and Ejen-

domsselskabet af 8. maj 2008 A/S. 

Board member of Nordea Bank, Amlin Plc, Grund-

Board member of Tryg Ejendomme A/S,  

Ejendomsselskabet af 8. maj 2008 A/S and  

Note: 
Changed Group Executive Management  

TrygVesta Garantiforsikring A/S.

Number of shares held: 69.

Lars Bonde
Member of the Group Executive 
Management in charge of Corpo-
rate. Born 1965. Joined TrygVesta 
in 1998. Joined the Group Execu-
tive Management in 2006 

as of 1 January 2009

Effective on 1 January 2009, TrygVesta changed 

its organisation so that the entire Group will be 

based on a pan-Nordic structure with a busi-

ness management comprising nine members, 

all of whom will be responsible for the Nordic 

region. 

The Group Executive Management will be exten-

ded by four members and will be as follows:

Member of the Executive Management of 

Christine Bosse, Group CEO, 48 years old.

TrygVesta Forsikring A/S. 

Morten Hübbe, Group Executive Vice  

Educational background: Insurance training, 

President, CFO, 37 years old.

fos Management A/S and Poul Due Jensens Fond.

LL.M. 

Peter Falkenham, Group Executive Vice  

Number of shares held: 3,237. 

Number of shares held: 1,312. 

President, Process & IT, and COO, 51 years old.

Morten Hübbe
Group CFO. Born 1972.  
Joined TrygVesta in 2002. 
Joined the Group Executive  
Management in 2003 

Member of the Executive Management of 

TrygVesta A/S. Member of the Executive  

Management of TrygVesta Forsikring A/S. 

Educational background: BSc (International 

Business Administration and Modern Languages), 

MSc (Finance and Accounting), management  

training at Wharton. 

Chairman of TrygVesta Garantiforsikring A/S  

and Enter Forsikring AS. 

Board member of Tryg Ejendomme A/S,  

Ejendomsselskabet af 8. maj 2008 A/S and  

Høyteknologisenteret AS. 

Number of shares held: 3,159.

Peter Falkenham
COO and member of the Group 
Executive Management in charge 
of Private & Commercial Denmark. 
Born 1958. Joined TrygVesta in 
2000. Joined the Group Executive 
Management in 2000 

Member of the Executive Management  

of TrygVesta A/S. Member of the Executive 

Management of TrygVesta Forsikring A/S. 

Educational background: BCom (International 

Trade), MSc (Engineering) and management training 

programmes, including St. Gallen and Wharton. 

Chairman of Glunz & Jensen. 

Deputy chairman of Solar A/S

Kjerstin Fyllingen
Member of the Group Executive 
Management in charge of Private 
& Commercial Norway. Born 1958. 
Joined TrygVesta in 2006. Joined 
the Group Executive Manage-
ment in 2006 

Member of the Executive Management  

of TrygVesta Forsikring A/S.

Educational background: Bachelor of  

Business Administration and Master of  

Management, Handelshøyskolen BI.

Board member of Enter Forsikring AS, Finans-

næringens Hovedorganisation, TSS Marine ASA 

and TrygVestas Allmennyttige Stiftelse. 

Number of shares held: 1,898. 

Stig Ellkier-Pedersen
Member of the Group Executive 
Management in charge of New 
Markets. Born 1947. Joined Tryg-
Vesta in 1999. Member of the 
Group Executive Management 
2001-2008

Member of the Executive Management  

of TrygVesta Forsikring A/S.

Educational background: Mechanical  

engineer, management training programmes  

at Insead. 

Chairman of Forsikringsakademiet A/S.

Board member of Enter Forsikring A/S,  

The Danish Employers’ Association for the  

Financial Sector and SOS International A/S. 

Number of shares held: 1,737. 

Lars Bonde, Group Executive Vice President, 

Sales and Customer Service Direct and Country 

Manager in Denmark, 43 years old.

Kjerstin Fyllingen, Group Executive Vice  

President, Customer Service & Sales Partners 

and Country Manager in Norway, 50 years old.

New members

Truls Holm Olsen, Group Executive Vice  

President, Corporate, 45 years old. 

Birgitte Kartman, Group Executive Vice  

President, Claims, 48 years old.

Jens Stener, Group Executive Vice President, 

Corporate Branding & Business Centres,  

42 years old. 

Martin Bøge Mikkelsen, Group Executive Vice 

President, Strategy & Human Competencies,  

46 years old. 

Stig Ellkier-Pedersen stepped down from his 

position to retire on 31 December 2008.  

Mr Ellkier-Pedersen has been with TrygVesta 

since 1999 and has been a member of the 

Group Executive Management since 2001.

Read more about the organisational  

changes and see the new management at 

www.trygvesta.com > About us > Management. 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Corporate governance l

79 of 152

Corporate governance

Corporate governance 

In 2008, TrygVesta’s Supervisory Board focused on organ-

which also offers stakeholders to receive the latest news 

ising the Group’s strategic development with a healthy 

as RSS feeds or to download webcasts and teleconfer-

balance between short-term and long-term activities and 

ences as podcasts. The Group’s mission and relevant 

action plans. The Supervisory Board takes care in prepar-

stakeholder policies, such as the policies for Investor 

ing future tasks for the Group, such as new capital 

Relations, communications and the environment, are 

requirements and capital resources in connection with 

available at www.trygvesta.com under Investor, About us, 

the future Solvency II rules so as to continuously 

Press and CSR > Climate, respectively. 

strengthen the Group’s financial and strategic position.

Capital and share structures 

TrygVesta’s corporate governance and remuneration poli-

The Supervisory Board monitors that TrygVesta’s capital 

cies are based on the corporate governance recommen-

structure is in line with the interests of the Group and our 

dations issued by OMX Nordic Exchange Copenhagen.  

shareholders, and that the capital structure is in compli-

The Supervisory Board believes that TrygVesta complies 

ance with the requirements applicable to TrygVesta as a 

with the recommendations. 

financial undertaking. The Supervisory Board optimises our 

Stakeholders

capitalisation on an ongoing basis while duly safeguarding 

the interests of policyholders and shareholders and leaving 

TrygVesta issues press releases and company announce-

the Group sufficient scope for development and growth. 

ments on a regular basis and publishes interim reports 

and annual reports in order to enable stakeholders to 

In 2008, the shareholders at the annual general meeting 

form an adequate impression of the Group’s position and 

authorised the Supervisory Board to let TrygVesta acquire 

its performance. The financial statements have been pre-

own shares within 10% of the share capital in the period up 

pared in accordance with IFRS. TrygVesta updates its out-

to the next annual general meeting. The Supervisory Board 

look for the Group’s performance each quarter. All finan-

is authorised to distribute extraordinary dividends in accord-

cial announcements are released simultaneously in Danish 

ance with the rules of the Danish Public Companies Act. 

and English. The Group has a number of in-house guide-

lines to ensure that disclosures are made in accordance 

The annual general meeting in 2008 decided to initiate a 

with the stock exchange rules of ethics. Investor Relations 

share buy back programme.

has regular contacts to equity analysts and major investors 

and organises investor presentations, teleconferences 

At 31 December 2008, around 3.0m shares worth DKK 

and webcasts together with the management. The Super-

1,053m had been bought under the total share buy back 

visory Board is regularly briefed on the dialogue with 

programme of DKK 1,405m, and DKK 352m of the share 

investors. All material is available at www.trygvesta.com, 

buy back programme was thus outstanding. TrygVesta has 

80 of 152

l Corporate governance l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

Read more about TrygVesta’s Corporate Governance at 
www.trygvesta.com

decided to extend the share buy back programme, originally 

The tasks and responsibilities  

scheduled for completion on the day before the release of 

of the Supervisory Board

the annual report 2008, until the day before the annual 

The Supervisory Board is responsible for the overall man-

general meeting, which will be held on 22 April 2009. 

agement and financial control of TrygVesta. In this work, 

The Supervisory Board intends to consider any public 

agement based on regular and systematic consideration 

the Supervisory Board uses targets and framework man-

takeover bid that may be made as prescribed by legisla-

of strategies and risks. 

tion and, depending on the nature of such bid, to con-

vene an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders  

The Executive Management reports to the Supervisory 

in accordance with applicable requirements and rules.

Board on strategies and action plans, market develop-

ments and the Group’s performance, funding issues,  

Annual general meeting

capital resources and special risks. The Supervisory Board 

TrygVesta holds its annual general meeting of sharehold-

cooperates with the Executive Management to ensure 

ers each year before the end of April. The Supervisory 

follow-up on and development of the Group’s strategies.

Board convenes the annual general meeting by a com-

pany announcement and by advertisement in at least one 

The Supervisory Board holds at least six annual meetings 

national newspaper, giving not less than eight days’ 

and an annual strategy seminar to discuss and define 

notice. Shareholders may elect to receive an electronic 

strategies and goals for the years ahead. The Supervisory 

notice of the general meeting, or they may download the 

Board discusses the Supervisory Board’s tasks on a regu-

notice at www.trygvesta.com. The notice includes rele-

lar basis, and at the last meeting in the year, it deter-

vant information about the time and place of the meet-

mines the items on the agenda for the coming year.

ing and sets out the agenda, which as a minimum com-

prises the following items:

The Supervisory Board carries out an annual evaluation of 

the work and results of the Executive Management and of 

•   Report of the Supervisory Board on the activities  

the cooperation between the Supervisory Board and the 

of the company during the past financial year

Executive Management. In addition, the Supervisory Board 

•   Presentation of the annual report for approval and  

reviews and approves the rules of procedures of the 

discharge of the Supervisory Board and the Executive 

Supervisory Board and the Executive Management each 

Management, including determination of the Super- 

year to ensure they are aligned with TrygVesta’s require-

visory Board’s remuneration 

ments. Under the rules of procedure, the Supervisory 

•   Adoption of a resolution as to the distribution of profit 

Board has defined an evaluation procedure for assessing 

or covering of loss, as the case may be, according to 

the work and results of the Supervisory Board, the Chair-

the annual report as approved, including proposed  

man of the Supervisory Board and the other individual 

payment of dividend for the past financial year 

members as well as the composition of the Supervisory 

•   Any proposals from the Supervisory Board or from 

Board in order to improve the work of the Supervisory 

shareholders

Board. The assessment includes individual interviews 

•   Election of members to the Supervisory Board

between the Chairman of the Supervisory Board and the 

•   Appointment of auditors

•   Any other business 

individual members in January and a discussion of these 

interviews at the next following Board meeting.

All shareholders are urged to attend the annual general 

The Supervisory Board is headed by the Chairman and 

meeting, and shareholders may vote in person at the 

the Deputy Chairman. The duties of the Chairman and 

general meeting or appoint the Supervisory Board or a 

the Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board are 

third party as their proxy. The proxy form will be available 

defined in the rules of procedure of the Supervisory 

at www.trygvesta.com from 1 April 2009. 

Board and include preparing meetings of the Supervisory 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Corporate governance l

81 of 152

Corporate governance

Board and evaluating the work of the Supervisory Board 

To ensure replacement on the Supervisory Board, mem-

and the cooperation with the Executive Management. The 

bers elected by the shareholders may hold office for a 

Chairman and the Deputy Chairman also plans the future 

maximum of nine years. Furthermore, members of the 

composition of and replacement in the Supervisory Board. 

Supervisory Board must retire at the first general meeting 

The Chairman of the Supervisory Board acts as spokesman 

following their 70th birthday.

for the Supervisory Board for external purposes. 

Prior to the election of new members, the Supervisory 

The composition of the Supervisory Board

Board prepares a description of the candidates’ back-

The Supervisory Board makes an assessment of the com-

ground, professional qualifications and experience, and 

petencies required for the Supervisory Board to perform 

the notice convening the general meeting makes reference 

its duties in the best possible way. In connection with the 

to this description. Information about the Supervisory Board 

evaluation of the Supervisory Board’s work and its mem-

members’ profiles and the number of TrygVesta shares 

bers’ competencies, it is assessed whether the Supervisory 

held is set out in the section on Members of the Supervisory 

Board has the required competencies, or whether the 

Board and is also available at www.trygvesta.com. A few 

competencies and expertise of its members need to be 

Supervisory Board members hold more than the recom-

updated in some respects. A balanced distribution with 

mended number of directorships. However, the Supervisory 

respect to gender and age is sought in the composition of 

Board considers that each member has adequate time and 

the Supervisory Board. The Supervisory Board has eight 

resources to serve as a member of the Supervisory Board 

members elected by the shareholders. They are aged 

of TrygVesta in a satisfactory manner. 

between 43 and 68 years, and there is one female member. 

New board members are offered an introduction course.

CSR/corporate social responsibility

CSR is a focus area for TrygVesta; it supports the com- 

The Supervisory Board has 12 members, including eight 

pany’s business and peace-of-mind delivery. TrygVesta 

members elected by the shareholders for a term of one 

has drawn up a CSR declaration of intent, defining our 

year. Four of the eight members are non-affiliated. The 

commitment and describing our responsibility in relation 

Supervisory Board deems that the number of members is 

to employees, customers and the external community.  

adequate to ensure a constructive debate and an efficient 

TrygVesta pursues an open policy with respect to the 

decision-making process.

Group’s social commitment and reports on current CSR 

THE COMPOSITION OF THE SuPERVISORY BOARD 

  4 affiliated  
  members 

4 non-affiliated  4 members elected
members 

by the employees

candidates 

  elected among   elected among 
  the members  
  of the Super-   without any 
  visory Board 
  of Trygheds-  
  Gruppen smba.   Gruppen smba.   distributed on the  

elected according
to agreement
between the Danish
and Norwegian
employee associations

affiliation with 
Trygheds- 

Group’s Danish  
employees and one  
Norwegian employee. 

activities at www.trygvesta.com and in the Annual Report. 

TrygVesta is also committed to working with CSR through 

the Group’s participation in the Danish Council for Sustain-

able Business Development and the UN Global Compact. 

CSR organisation

The Group CEO chairs the TrygVesta CSR Board, and in 

addition, the Group Executive Vice Presidents, Customer 

Sales & Partners and direct sales, the commnucations 

Director and two other senior executives sit on the  

Board. The figure shows the three sub-committees in  

the CSR work.

Diversity

Read more about the employee representatives on  

TrygVesta considers diversity a strength and has there-

TrygVesta’s Supervisory Board at www.trygvesta.com 

fore worked towards the goal that the composition of the 

under Our business > Corporate governance. 

company’s employees should reflect that of society in 

82 of 152

l Corporate governance l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Read more about CSR at TrygVesta on the insert
”We acknowledge our corporate social responsibility”

general. In the past few years, there has been increased 

Management reports to the Supervisory Board on the 

focus on ethnicity, both in our current recruitment activi-

Group’s risk management work. A more detailed review of 

ties and in projects focusing on recruitment of employees 

TrygVesta’s risk management is set out in the section on 

with an ethnic background. In 2008, just over 4% of the 

Risk management and at www.trygvesta.com. 

Group’s employees had a foreign ethnic background, 

slightly less than this population group’s proportion of 

Audit 

the Nordic population. 

The Supervisory Board ensures that the Group is moni-

tored by competent and independent auditors. Each year, 

At the end of 2008, TrygVesta had seven women at senior 

the annual general meeting appoints external auditors 

management level. At 1 January 2009, the Group Executive 

recommended by the Supervisory Board. The audit agree-

Management comprised nine members, including three 

ment with the external auditors, including the auditors’ 

women. TrygVesta’s Group Executive Management is thus 

fees, is concluded between the Supervisory Board and the 

one of the most highly gender diversified among large 

auditors. The Supervisory Board adopts the framework for 

companies in the Nordic region. The age distribution in the 

the auditors’ performance of non-audit services each year. 

Group Executive Management ranges from 37 to 51 years. 

Risk management

TrygVesta’s internal audit department regularly reviews 

the quality of the Group’s internal control systems and 

Being an insurance business, TrygVesta is subject to the 

business procedures. The department is responsible for 

requirements of the Danish Financial Business Act on risk 

planning, performing and reporting the audit work to  

management. In capital and risk management instructions, 

the Supervisory Board. The internal and external auditors’ 

the Supervisory Board defines the framework for risk man-

long-form reports are reviewed by the Supervisory Board.  

agement in TrygVesta with respect to insurance risk/rein-

surance, investment risk and operational risk, including  

In connection with the Supervisory Board’s review of  

IT security. This framework is then implemented in risk  

the annual report, it discusses the accounting policies, 

policies that define detailed guidelines for the Group’s risk 

among other issues, and the results of the audit are  

management. A risk management committee comprising 

discussed with the audit committee and in Supervisory 

the Group CEO, Group CFO and selected senior executives 

Board meetings for the purpose of assessing the audi-

monitors the risk management environment. The Executive 

tors’ observations and conclusions. 

CSR Secretariat

CSR Board
Chairman: 
Group CEO

Employee Committee
Chairman: Group Executive Vice 
President, Strategy & Human  
Competence

Environment and Climate 
Committee
Chairman: Group Executive  
Vice President, direct sales

Society Committee
Chairman: Group Executive Vice 
President, customer service  
and sales/partners

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Corporate governance l

83 of 152

Corporate governance

AuDIT COMMITTEE

REMuNERATION COM MITTEE

The remuneration committee has four members elected by 
the Supervisory Board. The remuneration committee is 
chaired by the Chairman of the Supervisory Board. In 
addition, the committee must include at least one mem-
ber of the Supervisory Board of TryghedsGruppen and at 
least one non-affiliated member of the Supervisory Board. 
The remuneration committee was set up in the spring of 
2008. Going forward, the committee intends to hold four 
annual meetings. The work of the remuneration commit-
tee is based on TrygVesta’s remuneration policy and 
guidelines for incentive pay adopted by the shareholders 
at the annual general meeting held on 3 April 2008. 

Members
- Mikael Olufsen, chairman 
- John R. Frederiksen  
- Paul Bergqvist 
- Birthe Petersen 

Responsibilities 
•   To support the Supervisory Board in considerations and 
decisions with respect to issues of remuneration to the 
Supervisory Board, Board committees and the Executive 
Management, and to discuss the framework for the 
Group Executive Management’s remuneration in con-
sultation with the Group CEO. 

•   To ensure compliance with the Group’s guidelines for 

incentive pay.

•   To keep the Supervisory Board informed of the market 
level and forms of remuneration paid to members of 
the supervisory boards and executive managements  
of the company’s peers.

Activities in 2008
•   The remuneration committee was set up in May 2008 
and held one meeting in the second half of 2008 to 
define the strategy and terms of reference for its work. 
•   The committee’s terms of reference were approved at  
a meeting of the Supervisory Board held in November 
2008.

The audit committee has three members elected by the 
Supervisory Board and is chaired by a non-affiliated 
member of the Supervisory Board. The committee held 
four meetings in 2008, and it reports to the Supervisory 
Board on a regular basis. The audit committee made an 
assessment of the preceding year’s work in August 
2008, evaluating the need for changes to its areas of 
responsibility. The audit committee works with historical 
data, and it is not involved in forward-looking events 
such as outlook and budgets. 

TrygVesta’s audit committee complies with the statutory 
requirements of 1 July 2008 for listed companies. As of 
31 December 2008, certain unlisted financial businesses 
were also required to have an audit committee. However, 
it is possible to set up shared audit committees for  
several financial businesses within the same group. The 
audit committees must be set up immediately following 
the companies’ annual general meetings held in the 
spring of 2009. TrygVesta will ensure compliance with 
the statutory requirements in accordance with the  
applicable rules.

Members
- Bodil Nyboe Andersen, chairman 
- Per Skov 
- Rune Joensen

Responsibilities 
•   To monitor the financial reporting process, including 
the application of accounting policies, and to assess 
the adequacy of any changes thereto.

•   To monitor that internal control and risk management 

systems function efficiently.

•   To review and discuss the results of the internal and 
external auditors’ work, and to supervise manage-
ment’s follow-up on the recommendations reported 
by the internal and external auditors.

•   To ensure that the Group’s internal and external  

auditors are independent.

Activities in 2008 
•   Reviewed the Group’s technical provisions. 
•   Reviewed the methodology for and calculation of  

the Group’s Individual Solvency Needs.  

•   Reviewed the efficiency of the Group’s contingency 

plans. 

•   Assessed the Group’s internal control procedures  

to prevent fraud. 

•   Supervised annual and interim financial statements.  
•   Supervised the audit work performed by the  

external auditors.

84 of 152

l Corporate governance l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

Remuneration

Remuneration policy for the Supervisory Board  

REMuNERATION OF THE AuDIT COMMITTEE

and the Executive Management 

TrygVesta has adopted a policy for remuneration of the 

Supervisory Board and the Executive Management and 

has defined overall guidelines for incentive pay. 

DKK 

Chairman 
Other members, each 
Total, audit committee  

2008

 150,000 
 100,000 
 350,000

Read more at www.trygvesta.com > Our business >  

REMuNERATION OF THE REMuNERATION COMMITTEE

Corporate governance. 

Remuneration of the Supervisory Board

Members of the Supervisory Board receive a fixed fee and are 

not covered by incentive programmes or severance schemes. 

Their remuneration is fixed on the basis of trends in the com-

DKK 

Chairman 
Other members, each 
Total, remuneration committee  

2008*

 37,500 
 25,000 
112,500

*  In 2008 members recieved remuneration for six months.

pany’s peer group, taking into account competencies and 

Remuneration of the Executive Management

efforts as well as the scope of the Board work. The Chairman 

TrygVesta’s Executive Management comprises three  

receives triple the amount of the other members, and the 

members. Their remuneration reflects a wish to secure  

Deputy Chairman receives double the amount. 

a balanced earnings performance for the Group in the  

short as well as the longer term. 

In addition, members of the Supervisory Board who par-

ticipate in the audit and remuneration committee receive 

The remuneration of the Executive Management includes 

remuneration for these duties. The chairmen receive one 

performance-related bonus, comprising a bonus plan of up 

and a half times the amount of other members. The 

to three months’ salary including pension (four months for 

shareholders approve the remuneration of the Supervisory 

the Group CEO). The plan is directly linked to pre-defined 

Board for the current financial year and the remuneration 

benchmarks. The assessment of the individual member’s 

was unchanged from 2007 to 2008.

achievement includes the Group’s overall performance as 

REMuNERATION OF THE SuPERVISORY BOARD

DKK 

Chairman 
Deputy Chairman 
Members, each 
Total, Supervisory Board  

2008

750,000
500,000
250,000
3,750,000

well as that of the individual members within their areas  

of responsibility. Specific benchmarks are defined within  

all four perspectives of the balanced scorecard (financial,  

customer, processes and learning) and reflect the strategic 

focus areas of the Group and the individual business areas 

or organisational units, including growth, profitability, cost 

reduction, customer satisfaction, customer loyalty, image, 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Corporate governance l

85 of 152

  
Corporate governance

processes, communication, employee satisfaction and 

minus dividend payout in the period. Stock options can 

development, and innovation. Members may choose to 

only be exercised during the open trading windows for the 

receive their bonus in cash or shares at a discount to the 

full-year and half-year profit announcements. Own shares 

market price. Members who choose shares at a discount to 

are bought to cover the stock option programmes. 

the market price can buy the shares at par with a total dis-

count equal to the bonus entitlement. Part of the remuner-

ation consists of stock options in order to build loyalty and 

motivation. The value of the stock options on grant may 

not exceed 50% of the fixed annual salary inclusive of pen-

sion. On exercise the value, calculated as the difference 

between the market price on exercise and the price on 

granted, may not exceed 200% of the member’s fixed 

annual salary inclusive of pension. Members are entitled  

to company cars. A contribution equal to 25% of their 

fixed salary is paid into a pension scheme. Each member 

is entitled to 12 months’ notice of termination and to  

12 months’ severance pay. The Group CEO is entitled to 

STOCK OPTION PROGRAMME IN 2008

Stine Bosse  
Morten Hübbe 
Peter Falkenham 
Other Group Executive  
Management and  
senior executives 
Granted to reward  
outstanding performance 
Total granted in 2008  

Options 

 24,597 
 15,916 
 11,575 

Value on 
grant (DKK)

1,700,000
1,100,000
800,000

167,203 

11,800,000

 28,700 
247,991 

2,000,000
17,400,000

12 months’ notice and to 18 months’ severance pay plus 

In 2008, the stock options entitled the holders to shares 

pension contributions during such period. 

at the average price of TrygVesta shares (all trades)  

Incentive pay 

on OMX Copenhagen Stock Exchange on 22 February 

2008 plus 10%, equal to an strike price of DKK 416.06.  

Like the Executive Management, the Group Executive Man-

TrygVesta expects to grant programme of a similar value 

agement and senior employees are offered a performance-

and on similar terms in 2009.

related bonus of up to three months’ salary on similar terms. 

Furthermore, TrygVesta has a stock option programme for 

Employee bonus 

the Executive Management, the Group Executive Manage-

TrygVesta operates an employee bonus programme 

ment, senior executives and employees to reward out-

because it is important to the Group that all employees 

standing performance. Each option entitles the holder to 

see their own efforts relative to the company’s overall 

one share at the exercise price. Stock options cannot be 

targets. Employee bonus benchmarks are combined ratio 

exercised earlier than three years and not later than five 

and growth. For 2008, the bonus triggered an offer to 

years after the grant. The strike price is the market price 

buy shares at a discount to the market price with a dis-

on grant plus 10%. The exercise price is the strike price 

count element equal to DKK 5,000 to each employee. 

REMuNERATION OF THE EXECuTIVE M ANAGEMENT IN 2008

DKK 

Stine Bosse 
Morten Hübbe 
Peter Falkenham 

  Basic salary 

Bonus 

Pension 

Car  

Total

5,560,000 
3,500,000 
3,000,000 

1,390,000 
584,000 
250,000 

1,390,000 
 875,000 
 750,000 

247,100 
156,000 
106,000 

8,587,100
5,115,000
4,106,000

REMuNERATION OF THE EXECuTIVE MANAGEMENT IN 2007

DKK 

Stine Bosse 
Morten Hübbe 
Peter Falkenham 

  Basic salary 

Bonus 

Pension 

Car  

Total

5,200,000 
3,000,000 
2,575,000 

1,734,000 
 750,000 
 644,000 

1,300,000 
 750,000 
 644,000 

113,000 
156,000 
106,000 

8,347,000
4,656,000
3,969,000

86 of 152

l Corporate governance l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder information

FINANCIAL CALENDAR 2009 

  22 April 2009 at 14:00  

Annual general meeting 2009

  23 April 2009 

  28 April 2009  

TrygVesta shares trade ex-dividend 

Payment of dividend 

  12 May 2009 at 7:30 

Interim report for Q1 2009 

  18 August 2009 at 7:30  

Interim report for the first half of 2009

  10 November 2009 at 7:30  

Interim report for Q1-Q3 2009 

TrygVesta emphasises openness, transparency and an 

Share price performance in 2008 

understanding of stakeholder information requirements. 

TrygVesta shares opened 2008 at DKK 388 and closed  

The Group’s Investor Relations strive to maintain a high 

at DKK 328, thus generating a total negative return for 

level of information by

2008 of 12% including dividends of DKK 17. By way of 

•   being available and answering queries as promptly  

comparison, the OMX C20 index fell by 46% and the DJ 

as possible 

Euro Insurance Index dropped 44%. TrygVesta shares 

•   preparing plain and relevant written communication  

were affected by the general decline in equity prices in 

and presentation material

2008 as described in the Preface. 

•   having a website that is of relevance to professional 

and private investors alike

Other listed insurance companies in the Nordic region 

•   being proactive in dealings with investors 

generated returns including dividends as follows in 2008: 

Alm. Brand -76%, Sampo -22% and Topdanmark -6%. 

Information that may influence the pricing of TrygVesta 

shares is published in accordance with the rules applicable 

Turnover of TrygVesta shares and share buy back

to distribution of news in the EU. The Group’s website, 

TrygVesta shares had an average daily turnover of DKK 

www.trygvesta.com, is updated simultaneously. In addi-

44m in 2008. The total volume of TrygVesta shares 

tion, TrygVesta distributes information directly to the  

traded on OMX Nordic Exchange Copenhagen was DKK 

London Stock Exchange, the press, equity analysts, inves-

11.0bn in 2008. 

tors and other stakeholders. In accordance with the recom-

mendations issued by OMX Nordic Exchange Copenhagen, 

On 4 April 2008, TrygVesta launched a share buy back pro-

TrygVesta refrains from commenting on matters relating to 

gramme in a maximum amount of DKK 1,405m. At 31 

financial performance or forecasts during a period of three 

December 2008, an aggregate of approximately 3.0m shares 

weeks prior to the release of financial reports. 

worth a total amount of DKK 1,053m had been bought. 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Corporate governance l

87 of 152

 
Corporate governance

MOST ACTIVE STOCKBROKERS IN TERMS OF PROPORTION 
OF TuRNOVER ON OMX NORDIC EXCHANGE COPENHAGEN

conferences. TrygVesta also participated in five events for 

private shareholders in Denmark and Sweden. The Group’s 

  1.  Danske Bank  
  2.  SEB Enskilda 
  3.  Nordea 
   4.  Morgan Stanley 
  5.  Carnegie 

20% 
 9%
 8%
 6%
 5%

performance is followed by 18 equity analysts, three of 

whom are based in London. The equity analysts’ recom-

mendations with respect to TrygVesta shares are available 

at www.trygvesta.com. 

Share capital and ownership

is an important vehicle for providing information about the 

TrygVesta has a total share capital of DKK 1,700,000,000 

Group’s performance to prospective investors. A Danish  

comprised of a single class of shares (68m shares of  

version of the website was launched in February 2009, 

DKK 25 nominal value each), and all shares rank pari passu.

making it more user-friendly for all Danish shareholders. 

The website is being developed on an ongoing basis and  

The principal shareholder, TryghedsGruppen smba (formerly 

Tryg i Danmark smba), Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark, holds 60% 

Annual general meeting

of the issued shares and is the only shareholder, apart 

TrygVesta’s annual general meeting will be held on  

from TrygVesta, with a holding of more than 5%. 

22 April 2009 at Falconer Center, Falkoner Allé 9, 2000  

Trygheds Gruppen invests in Nordic businesses that promote 

Frederiksberg, Denmark. The invitation to attend the 

peace of mind and health, and supports benevolent activities. 

meeting will be advertised in the daily press and will be 

sent to shareholders who so request. Notice of the  

At 31 December 2008, the 40% free float was distributed 

meeting will also be posted at www.trygvesta.com. 

among 28,828 registered shareholders. The 200 largest 

shareholders held 57% of the free float. At 31 December 

Any queries relating to the annual general meeting may 

2008, TrygVesta held own shares corresponding to 5.3% 

be addressed to:

of the share capital. 

Bjarne Lau Pedersen, Chief Group Legal Adviser, 

telephone +45 4420 3065, e-mail bjarne.lau@tryg.dk 

Dialogue with investors 

Ole Søeberg, IRO, telephone +45 4420 4520, 

Following publication of all financial statements, Investor 

e-mail ole.soeberg@tryg.dk. 

Relations and the Executive Management meet with institu-

tional investors and equity analysts. In 2008, TrygVesta 

Reference > Read about dividends for 2008 in the section 

held 250 investor meetings and participated in 15 investor 

on Capital and profit distribution. 

FREE FLOAT 31 DECEMBER 2008

SHAREHOLDERS 31 DECEMBER 2008

2% 4%

8%

10%

76%

7%

16%

17%

60%

Denmark

UK

USA

Nordic 

Others

TryghedsGruppen smba

Small shareholders

Major Danish shareholders*

Major international shareholders

*  Major shareholders are shareholders holding more than 10,000 

shares. 

88 of 152

l Corporate governance l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

ANNO uNCEMENTS PuBLISHED IN 2008

  21.01.2008 

  25.02.2008 

  25.02.2008 

  13.03.2008 

  03.04.2008  

  03.04.2008 

  05.05.2008 

  27.06.2008 

  19.08.2008 

  27.10.2008 

  11.11.2008 

  11.11.2008 

  11.11.2008 

  24.11.2008 

 TrygVesta has reduced the exposure to equities 

 Annual report 2007

Q4 2007 report

 Notice of the annual general meeting

 Resolutions from the annual general meeting

 TrygVesta initiates share buy back programme 

 First quarter 2008 report

 Revised financial calendar 2008

 Half-year 2008 report

 TrygVesta organises towards innovation and development

 Interim report for the first nine months of 2008

 Fincial calendar 2009

T rygVesta and Nordea extend partnership to 2013

 TrygVesta owns 5.0% of own shares

In addition to the above-mentioned anouncements of the share buy back programme which was initiated on 4 April 2008, TrygVesta has 

published an announcement of the weekly share buy back amount every Monday.

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Corporate governance l

89 of 152

 
Accounts

Accounts – contents

Notes	

Statement	by	the	Supervisory	Board	and	the	Executive	Management	
Independent	Auditor’s	Report	

Income	Statement	and	Balance	Sheet	–	TrygVesta	Group	
Statement	of	Changes	in	Equity	–	TrygVesta	Group	
Cash	Flow	Statement	–	TrygVesta	Group	

Notes – TrygVesta Group	
Accounting	policies	
Earned	premiums,	net	of	reinsurance	
Technical	interest,	net	of	reinsurance	
Claims	incurred,	net	of	insurance	
Insurance	operating	expenses,	net	of	reinsurance	
Segments	
Technical	result,	net	of	reinsurance,	by	line	of	business	
Interest	and	dividends	
Market	value	adjustment	
Tax	
Profit/loss	on	discontinued	and	divested	business	
Intangible	assets	
Operating	equipment	
Owner-occupied	property	
Assets	under	construction	
Investment	property	
Investments	in	associates	
Other	financial	investment	assets	
Reinsurers’	share	
Current	tax	
Shareholders’	equity	
Subordinated	loan	capital	
Provisions	for	claims	
Pensions	and	similar	obligations	
Deferred	tax	
Other	provisions	
Debt	to	credit	institutions	
Other	debt	
Earnings	per	share	
Contractual	obligations,	contingent	liabilities	and	collateral	
Acquisition	of	subsidiary	
Related	parties	

1	
2	
3	
4	
5	
6	
6	
7	
8	
9	
10	
11	
12	
13	
14	
15	
16	
17	
18	
19	
20	
21	
22	
23	
24	
25	
26	
27	
28	
29	
30	
31		

Income	Statement	and	Balance	Sheet	–	TrygVesta	A/S	(parent	company)	
Statement	of	Changes	in	Equity	(parent	company)	
Notes	(parent	company)	
Financial	Highlights	and	Key	Ratios	by	Geography	

Glossary	
Organisation	Chart	

Inserts	are	placed	in	a	separat	pocket	at	the	end	of	the	Annual	Report	2008

90 of 152 l Contents l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

Page
91
92

93
96
98

99
109
109
109
109
114
116
118
118
118
119
119
119
120
121
121
122
123
126
126
126
127
128
131
133
134
134
134
134
135
136
136

138
140
141
146

148
150

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
Statement by the Supervisory Board
and the Executive Management

The Supervisory Board and the Executive Management have 
today considered and adopted the annual report for 2008 of 
TrygVesta A/S and the TrygVesta Group.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared  
in accordance with the International Financial Reporting 
Standards as adopted by the EU, and the financial statements 
of the parent company have been prepared in accordance 
with the Danish Financial Business Act. In addition, the annual 
report has been presented in accordance with additional 
Danish disclosure requirements for the annual reports of 
listed financial enterprises.

position at 31 December 2008 and of the results of the 
Group’s and the parent company’s operations and the  
cash flows of the Group for the financial year 1 January –  
31 December 2008. 

Furthermore, in our opinion the Management’s report gives 
a true and fair view of developments in the activities and  
financial position of the Group and the parent company, the 
results for the year and of the Group’s and the parent com-
pany’s financial position in general and describes significant 
risk and uncertainty factors that may affect the Group and 
the parent company. 

In our opinion, the accounting policies applied are appropriate, 
and the annual report gives a true and fair view of the Group’s 
and the parent company’s assets, liabilities and financial  

We recommend the annual report to be adopted by the 
shareholders at the annual general meeting.

Ballerup, 3 March 2009  

Executive Management

Christine Bosse 
Group CEO 

Morten Hübbe 
Group CFO 

Peter Falkenham
Group COO

Supervisory Board

Mikael Olufsen 
Chairman 

Bodil Nyboe Andersen 
Deputy Chairman 

Jørn Wendel Andersen

Paul Bergqvist 

Christian Brinch 

Niels Bjørn Christiansen

Peter Mollerup 

John R. Frederiksen 

Rune Torgeir Joensen

Birthe Petersen  

Per Skov 

Berit Torm

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Statement by the Supervisory Board and the Executive Management l

91 of 152

 
Accounts

Independent auditor’s report

To the shareholder of TrygVesta A/S
We have audited the annual report of TrygVesta A/S for the 
financial year starting on January 1 and ending on December 
31, 2008, which comprises the management’s report, the 
statement by management, accounting policies, income 
statement, balance sheet, capital and notes for the Group as 
well as the parent company and the cash flow statement for 
the Group. The consolidated financial statements have been 
prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards as adopted by the EU, and the parents financial 
statements have been prepared in accordance with the  
Danish Financial Business Act. In addition, the annual report 
has been presented in accordance with additional Danish  
disclosure requirements for the annual reports of listed 
financial enterprises.

Management’s responsibility for the annual report
Management is responsible for preparing and presenting an 
annual report that gives a true and fair view in accordance 
with the International Financial Reporting Standards as 
adopted by the EU in respect of the consolidated financial 
statements and in accordance with the Danish Financial Busi-
ness Act in respect of the parent company’s financial state-
ments and in accordance with additional Danish disclosure 
requirements for annual reports of listed financial enterprises.
This responsibility includes; designing, implementing and
maintaining internal control relevant to the preparation and 
fair presentation of an annual report that is free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; selecting and 
applying appropriate accounting policies; and making accounting 
estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances.

Basis of opinion
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the annual report 
based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance 
with Danish auditing standards. Those standards require that 
we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance 
that the annual report is free from materiel misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evi-
dence about the amounts and disclosures in the annual report. 
The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, 
including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement 
of the annual report, whether due to fraud or error.

In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers in-
ternal controls relevant to the preparation and fair presenta-
tion of the annual report 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 in-
ternal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropri-
ateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness 
of accounting estimates made by management, as well as 
evaluating the overall presentation of the annual report.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is suffi-
cient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Our audit did not result in any qualification.

Opinion
In our opinion, the annual report gives a true and fair view of 
the Group’s assets, liabilities and financial position at Decem-
ber 31, 2008, and of the results of the Group’s operations 
and the Group’s cash flows for the financial year starting on 
January 1 and ending on December 31, 2008 in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted 
by the EU and in accordance with additional Danish disclosure 
requirements for annual reports of listed financial enterprises.

Furthermore in our opinion, the annual report gives a true 
and fair view of the parent company’s assets, liabilities and 
financial position at December 31, 2008, and of the results 
of the parent company’s operations for the financial year 
starting on January 1 and ending on December 31, 2008 in 
accordance with the Danish Financial Business Act and in  
accordance with additional Danish disclosure requirements 
for annual reports of listed financial enterprises.

Ballerup, 3 March 2009

Deloitte
Statsautoriseret Revisionsaktieselskab

Lars Kronow 
State Authorised 
Public Accountant 

Leif Zilmer
State Authorised
Public Accountant

92 of 152 l Independent auditor’s report l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

Income statement – TrygVesta Group

DKKm   

Notes  General insurance

  Gross premiums written 
  Ceded insurance premiums 
  Change in provisions for unearned premiums 
  Change in reinsurers’ share of provisions for unearned premiums 

2   Earned premiums, net of reinsurance 

3   Technical interest, net of reinsurance 

  Claims paid 
  Reinsurance recoveries 
  Change in provisions for claims 
  Change in the reinsurers’ share of provisions for claims 

4   Claims incurred, net of reinsurance 

  Bonus and premium rebates 

  Acquisition costs 
  Administrative expenses 

  Acquisition costs and administrative expenses 
  Commission and profit commission from the reinsurers 

5   Total insurance operating expenses, net of reinsurance 

6   Technical result 

  16  

Investment activities 
Income from associates 
Income from investment properties 
Interest income and dividends 

7  
8   Value adjustment 
Interest expenses 
7  
Investment management charges 

  Total return on investment activities 

3  

Interest on insurance provisions 

  Total return on investment activities after technical interest 

  Other income 
  Other expenses 

  Profit/loss before tax 

9   Tax 

  Profit/loss on continuing business 

  10   Profit/loss on discontinued and divested business 

  Profit/loss for the year 

  28   Earnings per share – continuing business of DKK 25 

  Earnings per share of DKK 25 

2007 

2008

16,959 
-893 
-130 
-46 

15,890 

501 

-11,336 
495 
161 
6 

-10,674 

-223 

-1,821 
-948 

-2,769 
95 

-2,674 

2,820 

1 
116 
1,382 
415 
-88 
-86 

1,740 

-1,400 

340 

121 
-172 

3,109 

-842 

2,267 

-1 

2,266 

33.5 
33.5 

17,629
-926
-134
66

16,635

499

-12,880
605
1,114
-486

-11,647

-172

-2,247
-756

-3,003
72

-2,931

2,384

-2
128
1,523
-1,008
-100
-101

440

-1,428

-988

124
-173

1,347

-501

846

0

846

12.8
12.8

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Income statement – TrygVesta Group l

93 of 152

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts

Balance sheet – TrygVesta Group

DKKm   

Notes  Assets
  11  

Intangible assets 

  12   Operating equipment 
  13   Owner-occupied property 
  14   Assets under construction 

  Total property, plant and equipment 

  15  

Investment property 

  16  

Investments in associates 

  Total investments in associates 

  Equity investments 
  Unit trust units 
  Bonds 
  Deposits in credit institutions 

  17   Total other financial investment assets 

  Deposits with ceding undertakings, receivable 

2007 

2008

335 

80 
306 
0 

386 

2,263 

19 

19 

2,961 
1,629 
30,654 
302 

35,546 

19 

450

46
1,315
0

1,361

2,246

14

14

422
940
28,721
389

30,472

13

  Total investment assets 

37,847 

32,745

  Reinsurers’ share of provisions for unearned premiums 

  22   Reinsurers’ share of provisions for claims 

  18   Total reinsurers’ share of provisions for insurance contracts 

  Receivables from policyholders 

  Total receivables in relation to direct insurance contracts 
  Receivables from insurance enterprises 
  Other receivables 

  17   Total receivables 

  19   Current tax assets 
  17  Cash in hand and at bank 

  Other 

  Total other assets 

  Accrued interest and rent earned 
  Other prepayments and accrued income 

  Total prepayments and accrued income 

159 
1,428 

1,587 

901 

901 
509 
1,145 

2,555 

93 
298 
4 

395 

666 
59 

725 

176
860

1,036

838

838
250
601

1,689

111
282
3

396

626
142

768

  Total assets 

43,830 

38,445

94 of 152

l Balance sheet – TrygVesta Group l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DKKm   

Notes  Liabilities
  20   Shareholders’ equity 

  21   Subordinated loan capital 

  22   Provisions for unearned premiums 
  22   Provisions for claims 

  Provisions for bonuses and premium rebates 

  Total provisions for insurance contracts 

  23   Pensions and similar obligations 
  24   Deferred tax liability 
  25   Other provisions 

  Total provisions 

  Debt related to direct insurance 
  Debt related to reinsurance 

  26   Debt to credit institutions 
  19   Current tax liabilities 
  27   Other debt 

  Total debt 

  Accruals and deferred income 

2007 

2008

10,010 

1,101 

5,403 
21,104 
409 

26,916 

403 
1,109 
57 

1,569 

358 
253 
599 
336 
2,597 

4,143 

91 

8,244

1,102

5,100
19,715
378

25,193

523
949
36

1,508

311
172
709
248
871

2,311

87

  Total liabilities and equity 

43,830 

38,445

1   Accounting policies 

  20   Capital adequacy 
  28   Earnings per share 
  29   Contractual obligations, contingent liabilities and collateral 
  30   Acquisition of subsidiary 
  31   Related parties 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Balance sheet – TrygVesta Group l

95 of 152

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts

Statement of changes in equity – TrygVesta Group

DKKm   

  Shareholders’ equity  
  at 31 December 2006 

  Equity entries in 2007 
  Profit for the year 
  Revaluation of owner-occupied properties 
  Exchange rate adjustment of foreign entities 
  Hedge of foreign currency risk  

in foreign entities 

  Actuarial gains and losses on  
  pension obligation 
  Tax on equity entries 

  Total comprehensive income 

  Dividend paid 
  Dividend own shares 
  Purchase of own shares 

Issue of employee shares 
Issue of share options 

  Total equity entries in 2007 

  Revalua- 

  Reserve 
for 
tion  exchange 
rate adj. 

reserves 

Share 
capital 

Equali- 
sation 
reserve 

Other  Retained  Proposed 
reserves  earnings  dividends 

Total

1,700 

7 

-20 

58 

800 

5,162 

2,244 

9,951

-3 

3 

0 

0 

7 

84 

-98 

24 

10 

75 

1,035 

1,156 

94 
-25 

2,266
-3
84

-98

94
2

0 

75 

1,104 

1,156 

2,345

-2,244 

-2,244
14
-96
32
8

14 
-96 
32 
8 

10 

0 

75 

1,062 

-1,088 

59

-10 

58 

875 

6,224 

1,156 

10,010

0 

0 

  Shareholders’ equity  
  at 31 December 2007 

1,700 

  Equity entries in 2008 
  Profit for the year 
  Exchange rate adjustment of foreign entities 
  Hedge of foreign currency risk in foreign entities 
  Actuarial gains and losses on pension obligation 
  Tax on equity entries 

  Total comprehensive income 

0 

0 

  Dividend paid 
  Dividend own shares 
  Purchase of own shares 

Issue of employee shares 
Issue of share options 

-585 
615 

-154 

-124 

-126 

0 

-126 

423 

423 

-1,156 

549 
-55 

-196 
53 

351 

12 
-1,197 
37 
14 

846
-640
615
-196
-101

524

-1,156
12
-1,197
37
14

  Total equity entries in 2008 

0 

0 

-124 

0 

-126 

-783 

-733 

-1,766

  Shareholders’ equity  
  at 31 December 2008 

1,700 

7 

-134 

58 

749 

5,441 

423 

8,244

96 of 152

l Statement of changes in equity – TrygVesta Group l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Proposed dividend per share DKK 6.50 (in 2007 DKK 17). Dividend per share is calculated as the total dividend proposed by the Supervi-
sory Board after the end of the financial year divided by the number of shares year end (64,377,683). The dividend is not paid until ap-
proved by the shareholders at the annual general meeting of the subsequent year. 

 TrygVesta Forsikring A/S’ Norwegian branch, has in its branch financial statements included provisions for contingency funds in the 
amount of NOK 2,743m (2007 NOK 2,564m). In TrygVesta Forsikring A/S, these provisions, due to their nature as additional provisions, 
are included in shareholders’ equity (retained earnings), net of deferred tax. TrygVesta Forsikring A/S’ option to pay dividend to TrygVesta 
A/S is influenced by this amount. The dividend payment is also affected by a contingency fund provision of DKK 670m, which is included 
in shareholders’ equity in TrygVesta Forsikring A/S. TrygVesta Garantiforsikring A/S has a similar contingency amounting to DKK 139m, 
which is also included in the company’s shareholders’ equity.

  STATEMENT Of RECOGNISED INCOME AND EXPENSES 

DKKm   

  Revaluation of owner-occupied properties for the year 
  Tax on owner-occupied properties for the year 
  Exchange rate adjustment of foreign entities for the year 
  Hedging of currency exposure in foreign entities for the year 
  Tax on hedging of currency exposure in foreign entities for the year 
  Actuarial gains/losses on defined benefit pension plans 
  Tax on actuarial gains/losses on defined benefit pension plans 

  Net income/expense recognised in equity 

  Profit for the year 

  Total recognised income and expenses 

2007 

-3 
3 
84 
-98 
24 
94 
-25 

79 

2,266 

2,345 

2008

0
0
-640
615
-154
-196
53

-322

846

524

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Statement of changes in equity – TrygVesta Group l

97 of 152

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts

Cash flow statement – TrygVesta Group

DKKm   

2007 

2008

  Cash generated from operations 
  Premiums 
  Claims paid 
  Ceded business 
  Expenses 
  Change in other payables and other amounts receivable 

  Cash flow from insurance operations 

Interest income 
Interest expenses 
  Dividend received 
  Taxes 
  Other items 

  Cash generated from operations, continuing business  

  Cash generated from operations, discontinued and divested business 

  Total cash generated from operations  

Investments 

  Acquisition of real property 
  Sale of real property 
  Acquisition of equity investments and unit trust units (net) 
  Purchase/Sale of bonds (net) 
  Deposits in Credit institutions 
  Purchase of operating equipment 
  Sale of operating equipment 
  Foreign currency hedging 

Investments, continuing business 

Investments, discontinued and divested business 

  Total investments 

  funding 
  Purchase of own shares 
  Dividend paid 
  Change in debt to credit institutions 

  funding, continuing business 

  Funding, discontinuied and divested business 

  Total funding 

  Change in cash and cash equivalents, net 
  Price adjustment of cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 

  Change in cash and cash equivalents, gross 

  Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 

  Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 

16,800 
-11,376 
-122 
-2,705 
-308 

2,289 

1,164 
-186 
169 
-693 
-55 

2,688 

0 

2,688 

-16 
17 
1,062 
-856 
-303 
-187 
5 
-98 

-376 

0 

-376 

-50 
-2,244 
-65 

-2,359 

0 

-2,359 

-47 
7 

-40 

338 

298 

17,412
-12,934
-22
-2,890
-591

975

1,573
-135
40
-628
-53

1,772

0

1,772

-1,098
26
2,080
-1,180
-87
0
110
615

466

0

466

-1,160
-1,156
110

-2,206

0

-2,206

32
-48

-16

298

282

98 of 152

l Cash flow statement –TrygVesta Group l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with 
the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by 
the EU on 31 December 2008 and in accordance with the Danish  
Statutory Order on Adoption of IFRS.

The financial statements of the parent company are prepared in  
accordance with executive order no. 1266 dated 26 October 2007  
issued by the Danish FSA on the presentation of financial reports by 
insurance companies and profession-specific pension funds. The devia-
tions from the recognition and measurement requirements of IFRS are:

Changes in accounting policies
Accounting policies are unchanged from the annual report 2007.

Implementation of accounting standards in 2008 
In 2008, the Group implemented the following standards:

•   IAS 1 concerning ‘Presentation of Financial Statements – Capital  

Disclosures’ will take effect on 1 January 2009. The standard deals 
exclusively with presentation. The implementation has not resulted 
in major changes but involves a change in the information to be  
presented for the capital base and the presentation of the Group’s 
calculation of recognised income and expenses directly in equity.
•   IFRS 7 concerning ‘Financial Instruments Disclosures’ will take effect 

•   Investments in subsidiaries are valued according to the equity 

method, whereas under IFRS valuation is made at cost or fair value. 
Furthermore the requirements regarding presentation and disclosure 
are less comprehensive than under IFRS.

on 1 January 2009, although the improvements must be imple-
mented in case of early implementation of IAS 1. Replacing IAS 30 
and IAS 32, the standard involves additional presentation of interest 
income and interest expenses.

•   Unlike IAS 19, the Danish FSA’s executive order does not allow for 
actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and 
changes in actuarial assumptions to be taken to equity. Actuarial 
gains and losses will therefore be recognised in the parent compa-
ny’s income statement. 

Executive orders, standards and interpretations not yet in force
The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has issued a 
number of revised international accounting standards and the Interna-
tional Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) has issued 
a number of interpretations that have not yet come into force.

•   The Danish FSA’s executive order does not allow provisions for de-

ferred tax of contingency reserves allocated from untaxed funds. De-
ferred tax and the equity of the parent company have been adjusted 
accordingly on the transition to IFRS.

The executive order on application of international financial reporting 
standards for companies subject to the Danish Financial Business Act  
issued by the Danish FSA requires disclosure of differences between the 
format of the annual report under international financial reporting stand-
ards and the rules issued by the Danish FSA. The following is a reconcilia-
tion of differences in the profit for the year and shareholders’ equity.

DKKm 

  Profit reconciliation
  Profit for the year ended 31 December – IFRS 
  Current-year effect of actuarial gains  
  and losses on pension obligation after tax  
  Change in deferred tax relating  

to contingency funds  

2007  2008

2,266 

846

69 

-143

-2 

0

  Profit for the year ended 31 December  
  – Danish fSA executive order 

2,333 

703

  Equity reconciliation 

  Shareholders equity at 31 December – IFRS 
  Deferred tax provisions for contingency funds  
  Change in deferred tax relating  

10,010  8,244
21

23 

to contingency funds  

-2 

0

  Equity at 31 December 
  – Danish fSA executive order 

10,031  8,265

•   IAS 23 concerning ‘Borrowing costs”, which is effective for financial 
years commencing on or after 1 January 2009. IAS 23 requires the 
recognition of borrowing costs in the cost of a qualifying asset  
(intangible assets, property, plant and equipment and inventories). 
The standard is not expected to have financial reporting impact  
(IAS 23 remains to be adopted by the EU).

•   IFRIC 16 concerning hedge accounting is expected to be imple-
mented in 2009. The standard will result in an assessment of  
existing hedges. (IFRIC 16 has yet to be adopted by the EU).  
The standard is not expected to have financial reporting impact.
•   IFRS 2, amendment to ‘Share-based payment’. The amendment  

concerns vesting conditions and the cancellation of allotted share 
options. The amendment is not expected to have financial reporting 
impact. (The amended IFRS 2 has yet to be adopted by the EU).

Amendments to IFRS 3 concerning ‘Business combinations’, and IAS  
27 concerning ‘Consolidated and separate financial statements’, IAS 28 
concerning ’Investments in assosiates’ and IAS 31concerning ’Interests 
in Joint Venture’ are expected to be implemented in 2009. The amend-
ments are applied prospectively for any future business combinations.

Other interpretations, including IFRIC 12 ’Service Concession Arrange-
ments, IFRIC 13 ’Customer Loyalty Programmes’, IFRIC 14 ’The limit on 
a Defined Benefit Asset’, IFRIC 15 ‘Agreements for Construction of Real 
Estate’ and IFRIC 17 ’Distributions of Non-cash Assets to Owners’,  
are not expected to have any financial reporting impact.

Changes in accounting estimates
•   The assumptions for the allocation of insurance operating expenses 
to acquisition and administrative expenses respectively were re- 
assessed with effect from 30 June 2008. As a result, acquisition  
expenses total approximately 75% of insurance operating expenses, as 
compared with the previous total of approximately 65%. The change 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Notes l

99 of 152

 
 
 
 
Accounts

Notes

has no impact on the aggregate insurance operating expenses. 

•   The TrygVesta Group’s defined benefit plan in Norway is impacted by 
DKK 53m due to a change in the assumptions that provided the ba-
sis for the value at the end of 2008.

•   In October 2008, the Danish FSA changed the discount curve for dis-
counting of provisions. As a result of the change, the discount rate is 
determined based on a risk-free interest rate and the mortage bond 
yield, enabling a better match between assets and liabilities. The  
effect of the change to the new yield curve is:

DKKm 

Gross claims incurred 
Interest on insurance provisions 
Technical result 
Return on investment activities
after transfer to insurance activities 

Profit/loss before tax 

Impact 
31 Oct. 

Impact 
31 Dec.

-5 
-6 
-11 

57 

46 

0
-8
-8

78

70

Provisions for claims 

-52 

-78 

Profit/loss, shareholders’ equity and capital base are impacted by the 
same amount.

Accounting estimates and judgements
The preparation of financial statements under IFRS requires the use of 
certain critical accounting estimates and requires management to exer-
cise its judgement in the process of applying the company’s account-
ing policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or com-
plexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to 
the consolidated financial statements, are:

•   Liabilities under insurance contracts
•   Valuation of defined benefit plans 
•   Fair value of financial assets

A more detailed description of primary assumptions about the future 
and other primary sources of estimation uncertainty is given in the risk 
management section in the Management’s report.

Liabilities under insurance contracts
Estimates of provisions for insurance contracts represent the Group’s 
most critical accounting estimates, as these provisions involve a 
number of uncertainty factors.

Liabilities for unpaid claims are estimates that involve actuarial and 
statistical projections of the claims and the administration of the 
claims. The projections are based on the TrygVesta Group’s know- 
ledge of historical developments, payment patterns, reporting delays,  
duration of the claims settlement process and other effects that  
might influence the future development of the liabilities.

The TrygVesta Group establishes claims reserves covering both case 
reserves and estimated claims that have been incurred by its policy-
holders but not yet reported to the company (known as “IBNR”  
reserves) and future developments on claims which are known to the 
TrygVesta Group but have not been finally settled. The group also in-
cludes in its claims reserves direct and indirect claims settlement costs 
or loss adjustment expenses that arise from events that have occurred 

up to the balance sheet date even if they have not yet been reported 
to the TrygVesta Group. 

The projection for claims reserves is therefore inherently uncertain and, 
by necessity, relies upon the making of certain assumptions as to fac-
tors such as court decisions, changes in law, social inflation and other 
economic trends, including inflation. The TrygVesta Group’s actual lia-
bility for losses may therefore be subject to material positive or nega-
tive deviations relative to the initially estimated provisions for claims. 

Provisions for claims are discounted. As a result, initial changes in dis-
count rates or changes in duration of the claims provisions could have 
positive or negative effects on earnings. Discounting affects the motor 
liability, professional liability, workers’ compensation and personal acci-
dent classes, in particular.

For discounting of provisions for claims, the Group generally applies a 
risk-free market rate composed of a risk-free euro-denominated inter-
est rate and a country-specific spread to the German government bond 
yield. As a result of the adoption of the temporary ‘Package to ensure 
financial stability’, from the end of October the Group has applied a 
synthetic interest rate that includes a certain mortgage yield spread, 
for liabilities denominated in Danish kroner. Liabilities in Norwegian 
kroner are still discounted using a Norwegian risk-free interest rate 
composed as described above. Liabilities in Swedish kroner and euro 
are discounted using a Danish risk-free interest rate.

Several assumptions and estimates underlying the calculation of  
the provisions for claims are mutually dependent. Most importantly, 
this can be expected to be the case for interest rate and inflation  
assumptions.

Defined benefit pension schemes
The company operates a defined benefit plan in Norway. A “defined 
benefit” plan is a pension plan that defines an amount of pension 
benefit that an employee will receive on retirement, depending on age, 
years of service and compensation. The liability recognised in the bal-
ance sheet in respect of defined benefit pension plans is the present 
value of the defined benefit obligation at the balance sheet date less 
the fair value of plan assets, together with adjustments for unrecog-
nised actuarial gains or losses and past service costs. The projected 
unit credit method is a cash-flow calculation, which calculates the  
obligation as the present value of benefit attributed to current and 
prior years. The defined benefit obligation is calculated periodically by 
actuaries using the projected unit credit method. The present value of 
the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting estimated 
future cash outflows. 

Changes in the present value are primarily made due to changes in as-
sumptions about discount rate, expenses, return on plan assets, future 
salary increases and future pension increases. Since the provision for 
pension funds is based on actuarial calculations involving statistics and 
cash flow from such factors as investments, changes in interest rates, 
inflation and expectation of life, it may mean that the TrygVesta 
Group’s provision may be inadequate to cover its actual liability  
towards employees and current pensioners.

fair value of financial assets
Measurements of financial assets for which prices are quoted in an ac-

100 of 152 l Notes l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
tive market or which are based on generally accepted models with ob-
servable market data are not subject to material estimates. For securities 
that are not listed on a stock exchange, or for which no stock exchange 
price is quoted that reflects the fair value of the instrument, the fair 
value is determined using a current OTC price of a similar financial instru-
ment or using a model calculation. The valuation models include the dis-
counting of the instrument cash flow using an appropriate market inter-
est rate with due consideration to credit and liquidity premiums.

achieved through direct or indirect ownership or disposal of more than 
20% but less than 50% of the votes.

Investments in joint ventures are recognised using the pro rata consoli-
dation method. Using pro rata consolidation, the group’s share of joint 
venture assets and liabilities is recognised in the balance sheet. The 
share of income and expenses and assets and liabilities are presented 
on a line by line basis in the consolidated financial statements.

BASIS Of PRESENTATION

Recognition and measurement
The annual report has been prepared under the historical cost conven-
tion, as modified by the revaluation of owner-occupied properties, 
where increases are credited to equity and revaluation of investment 
property, financial assets held for trading and financial assets and  
financial liabilities (including derivative instruments) at fair value 
through the income statement.

Assets are recognised in the balance sheet when it is probable that  
future economic benefits will flow to the group and the value of the asset 
can be reliably measured. Liabilities are recognised in the balance sheet 
when the group has a legal or constructive obligation as a result of a prior 
event, and it is probable that future economic benefits will flow out of the 
group, and the value of the liabilities can be measured reliably.

On initial recognition assets and liabilities are measured at cost, with 
the exception of financial assets, which are recognised at fair value. 
Measurement subsequent to initial recognition is effected as described 
below for each financial statement item. Anticipated risks and losses 
that arise before the time of presentation of the annual report and 
that confirm or invalidate affairs and conditions existing at the balance 
sheet date are considered at recognition and measurement.

Income is recognised in the income statement as earned, whereas 
costs are recognised by the amounts attributable to this financial year. 
Value adjustments of financial assets and liabilities are recorded in the 
income statement unless otherwise described below.

All amounts in the notes are shown in millions of DKK, unless other-
wise stated.

Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial state-
ments of TrygVesta A/S (the parent company) and enterprises (subsidi-
aries) controlled by the parent company. Control is achieved where  
the parent company directly or indirectly holds more than 50% of the 
voting rights or is otherwise able to exercise or actually exercises a 
controlling influence.

The consolidated financial statements are prepared on the basis of  
the financial statements of the parent company and its subsidiaries by 
adding items of a uniform nature. The financial statements of subsidi-
aries that present financial statements under other legislative rules are 
restated to the accounting policies applied by the group.

Enterprises in which the group exercises significant influence but not 
control are classified as associates. Significant influence is typically 

On consolidation, intra-group income and expenses, shareholdings,  
intra-group accounts and dividends, and gains and losses arising on 
transactions between the consolidated enterprises are eliminated.

Newly acquired or divested subsidiaries are consolidated at the results 
for the period subsequent to achieving or surrendering control, respec-
tively. Profit and loss in divested subsidiaries and profit and loss on  
discontinued activities are included under discontinued and divested 
business in the income statement.

Unrealised gains on transactions between the group and its subsidiar-
ies and associates are eliminated to the extent of the group’s interest 
in the companies. Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same way as 
unrealised gains unless impairment has occurred.

In accordance with IFRS 1 TrygVesta has elected not to apply IFRS 3 
retrospectively to past business combinations (business combinations 
that occurred before the date of transition to IFRS).

Business combinations
Newly acquired companies are recognised in the consolidated financial 
statements from the date of acquisition. Comparative figures are not 
restated to reflect acquisitions.

The purchase method is applied on acquisitions if the TrygVesta Group 
gains control of the company acquired. Identifiable assets, liabilities 
and contingent liabilities in companies acquired are measured at the 
fair value at the date of acquisition. The tax effect of revaluations is 
taken into account.

The date of acquisition is the date on which control of the acquired 
company actually passes to the TrygVesta Group.

The cost of a company is the fair value of the agreed consideration paid 
plus costs directly attributable to the acquisition. If the final amount of 
the consideration is conditional on one or more future events, these  
adjustments are only recognised in cost if the event in question is likely 
to occur and its effect on cost can be reliably measured.

Any excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of the acquired 
identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities is recognised as 
goodwill under intangible assets. Goodwill is tested for impairment at 
least once a year. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recover-
able amount, the asset is written down to the lower recoverable amount.

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Notes l

101 of 152

 
Accounts

Notes

Intra-group transactions
Intra-group transactions are settled on market terms. Intra-group  
balances carry interest on market terms.

Currency translation
A functional currency is determined for each of the reporting entities 
in the group. The functional currency is the currency in the primary 
economic environment in which the reporting entity operates. Transac-
tions in currencies other than the functional currency are transactions 
in foreign currencies.

On initial recognition, transactions in foreign currencies are translated 
into the functional currency at the exchange rate ruling at the trans-
action date. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are 
translated at the exchange rates at the balance sheet date. Translation 
differences are recognised in the income statement under value  
adjustments.

On consolidation, the assets and liabilities of the group’s foreign 
operations are translated at exchange rates of the balance sheet 
date. Income and expense items are translated at the average  
exchange rates for the period. Exchange differences arising on 
translation are classified as equity and transferred to the group’s 
translation reserve. Such translation differences are recognised as 
income or as expenses in the period in which the operation is  
disposed of. All other currency translation gains and losses are rec-
ognised in the income statement.

Prensentation currency in the annual report is DKK.

Segment reporting
Segment information is based on the group’s management and inter-
nal financial reporting system and is prepared in accordance with the 
group’s accounting policies.

The operational business segments in the TrygVesta Group are the Pri-
vate & Commercial (Denmark) segment, the Private & Commercial 
(Norway) segment, the Corporate segment and the General Insurance 
(Finland and Sweden) segment. 

Geographical information is presented on the basis of the economic 
environment in which the TrygVesta Group operates. The geographical 
areas are Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden.

Segment income and segment costs as well as segment assets and lia-
bilities comprise those items that can be directly attributed to each in-
dividual segment and those items that can be allocated to the individ-
ual segments on a reliable basis. Unallocated items primarily comprise 
assets and liabilities concerning investment activity.

Ratios
Earnings per share (EPS) are calculated according to IAS 33. Other key 
ratios are calculated in accordance with “Recommendations and Ratios 
2005” issued by the Danish Society of Financial Analysts and the exec-
utive order no. 1266 dated 26 October 2007 issued by the Danish FSA.

INCOME STATEMENT

Premiums
Earned premiums represent gross premiums earned during the year, 
net of outward reinsurance premiums and adjusted for changes in the 
provision for unearned premiums, corresponding to an accrual  
of premiums to the risk period of the policies, and in the  
reinsurers’ share of the provision for unearned premiums.

Premiums are recognised as earned premiums according to the expo-
sure of risk over the period of coverage, computed separately for each 
insurance contract using the pro rata method, and adjusted if neces-
sary to reflect any variation in the incidence of risk during the period 
covered by the contract. 

The portion of premiums received on contracts that relates to unex-
pired risks at the balance sheet date is reported under provisions for 
unearned premiums.

The portion of premiums paid to reinsurers that relate to unexpired 
risks at the balance sheet date is reported as the reinsurers’ share of 
provisions for unearned premiums.

Technical interest
According to the Danish FSA’s executive order, technical interest is  
presented as a calculated return on the year’s average insurance  
liability provisions, net of reinsurance. The calculated interest return  
for grouped classes of risks is calculated as the monthly average  
provision plus a co-weighted interest from the present yield curve  
for each individual group of risks. The interest is weighted according  
to the expected run-off pattern of the provisions. 

Technical interest is reduced by the portion of the increase in net 
provisions that relates to unwinding.

Claims incurred
Claims incurred represent claims paid during the year and adjusted  
for changes in provisions for unpaid claims less the reinsurers’  
share. In addition, the item includes run-off results regarding  
previous years. The portion of the increase in provisions which  
can be ascribed to unwinding is transferred to technical interest.

Claims are shown inclusive of direct and indirect claims handling 
costs, including costs of inspecting and assessing claims, costs 
to combat and contain claims incurred and other direct and  
indirect costs associated with the handling of claims incurred.

Changes in provisions for claims due to changes in the yield 
curve and exchange rates are recognised as a market value 
adjustment.

TrygVesta hedges the risk of changes in future wage and price  
figures for provisions for workers’ compensation and annuities  
for accident and health insurance. For 90-100% of this risk, 
TrygVesta uses swaps specifically acquired with a view to hedging  
the inflation risk. Value adjustment of these swaps is included in claims 
incurred, thereby reducing the effect of changes to inflation  
expectations under claims incurred.

102 of 152 l Notes l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
Bonus and premium rebates
Bonus and premium rebates represent anticipated and reimbursed pre-
miums where the amount reimbursed depends on the claims record, 
and for which the criteria for payment have been defined prior to the 
financial year or when the business was written.

On initial recognition of the share options, the number of options ex-
pected to vest is estimated. Subsequently, adjustment is made for 
changes in the estimated number of vested options to the effect that the 
total amount recognised is based on the actual number of vested options.

Insurance operating expenses
Insurance operating expenses represent acquisition costs and adminis-
trative expenses less reinsurance commissions received. Expenses re-
lating to acquiring and renewing the insurance portfolio are recognised 
at the time of writing the business. Underwriting commission is accrued 
over the term of the policy when a legal obligation occurs. Administra-
tive expenses are all other expenses attributable to the administration 
of the insurance portfolio. Administrative expenses are accrued to 
match the financial year.

Leasing
Leases are classified either as operating or finance leases. The assess-
ment of the lease is made on the basis of criteria such as ownership, 
right of purchase when the lease term expires, considerations as to 
whether the asset is custom-made, the lease term and the present 
value of the lease payments. 

Assets held under operating leases are not recognised in the balance 
sheet, but the lease payments are recognised in the income statement 
over the term of the lease, corresponding to the economic life of the 
asset, while assets held under finance leases are recognised at fair 
value and depreciated according to the same accounting policy as the 
group applies for similar owned assets. For assets held under finance 
leases, a lease liability is recognised at amortised cost.

Share-based payment
The TrygVesta Group’s incentive programmes comprise a share option 
programme and employee shares.

Share option programme
The value of services received as consideration for options granted is 
measured at the fair value of the options.

The fair value of the options granted is estimated using the Black & 
Scholes option model. The calculation takes into account the terms 
and conditions of the share options granted.

Employee shares
When employees are given the opportunity to subscribe shares at a 
price below the market price, the discount is recognised as an expense 
in staff costs. The balancing item is recognised directly in equity. The 
discount is calculated at the grant date as the difference between fair 
value and the subscription price of the subscribed shares.

In accordance with Danish law, the shares are held in restricted accounts 
until expiry of the seventh calendar year after they were subscribed. 
Employees cannot sell or otherwise dispose of the shares during the  
period they are subject to selling restrictions, but the shares will be  
released in case of the employee shareholder’s death or disability.

Investment activities
Income from associates includes the group’s share of the associates’ 
net profit. 

Income from investment properties before fair value adjustment repre-
sents the profit from property operations less property management 
expenses. 

Interest, dividends, etc. represent interest earned, dividends received, 
etc. during the financial year.  

Realised and unrealised investment gains and losses, including gains 
and losses on derivative financial instruments, value adjustment of 
land and buildings, exchange rate adjustments and the effect of move-
ments in the yield curve used for discounting, are recognised as value 
adjustments.

Equity-settled share options are measured at the fair value at the grant 
date and recognised under staff costs over the period from the grant 
date until vesting. The balancing item is recognised directly in equity.

Investment management charges represent expenses relating to the 
management of investments. 

The options are issued at an exercise price that corresponds to the 
market price of the company’s shares at the time of allocation. No 
other vesting conditions apply. Special provisions are in place concern-
ing sickness and death and in case of change to the company’s capital 
position, etc.

The share option agreement entitles the employee to the options unless 
the employee resigns his position or is dismissed due to breach of the 
employment relationship. In case of termination due to restructuring or 
retirement, the employee is still entitled to the options.  The share  
options are exercisable exclusively during a two-week period following 
the publication of full-year or half-year reports and in accordance with 
TrygVesta’s in-house rules on trading in the company’s shares. The op-
tions are settled in shares. A part of the company’s holding of treasury 
shares is reserved for settlement of the options allocated.

Other income and expenses
Other income and expenses includes income and expenses which can-
not be ascribed to TrygVesta’s insurance portfolio or investment as-
sets, including the sale of products for Nordea Liv og Pension.

Discontinued and divested business
Discontinued and divested activities are consolidated in one line item 
in the income statement and supplemented with disclosure of the dis-
continued and divested activities in a note to the financial statements.

Recognition of the balance sheet items in respect of the discontinued 
activities remains unchanged in the respective items whereas assets 
and liabilities from divested activities are consolidated in one line as 
“assets concerning divested business” and “liabilities concerning di-
vested business”, respectively.

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Notes l

103 of 152

Accounts

Notes

The comparative figures, including financial highlights and key ratios, 
have been restated to reflect discontinued business. Discontinued and 
divested activities in the income statement include the post-tax profit 
of TrygVesta’s business in run-off as well as divested enterprises. Busi-
ness in run-off comprises the results of the business in run-off in Tryg 
Forsikring A/S. Divested subsidiaries comprise the activities in Chevan-
stell Ltd. UK (2006), Poland (2004), Nordicum Kindlustus (2004) and 
Tryg Baltica International A/S (2004).

BALANCE ShEET

Intangible assets
Software
Acquired computer software licences are capitalised on the basis of 
the costs incurred to acquire and bring to use the specific software. 
These costs are amortised on the basis of the expected useful life 
(four years).

Costs that are directly associated with the production of identifiable 
and unique software products, for which there is sufficient certainty 
that future earnings will exceed costs for more than one year, are rec-
ognised as intangible assets. Direct costs include the software devel-
opment team’s employee costs and an appropriate portion of relevant 
overheads. All other costs associated with developing or maintaining 
software are recognised as an expense as incurred.

After completion of the development the asset is depreciated on a 
straight-line basis over the expected useful life, however with a maxi-
mum period of 4 years. The basis of amortisation is reduced by any 
impairment writedowns.

fixed assets
Operating equipment
Fixtures and operating equipment are measured at cost less accumu-
lated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Cost en-
compasses the purchase price and costs directly attributable to the ac-
quisition of the relevant assets until the time when the asset is ready 
to be brought into use.

Depreciation on plant and equipment is calculated using the straight-
line method over their estimated useful lives, as follows:

•  IT, 4 years
•  Vehicles, 5 years
•  Furniture, fittings and equipment, 5-10 years

Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the expected useful life, 
however with a maximum of the term of the lease.

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed at each bal-
ance sheet date and adjusted if appropriate. 

Land and buildings
Land and buildings are divided into owner-occupied property and in-
vestment property. The TrygVesta Group’s owner-occupied properties 
consist of the head office buildings at Ballerup and Bergen and a few 
summer houses. The remaining properties are classified as investment 
properties.

Owner-occupied property
Owner-occupied properties are measured in the balance sheet at their 
revalued amounts, being the fair value at the date of revaluation, less 
any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumu-
lated impairment writedowns. Revaluations are performed regularly to 
avoid the carrying amount differing materially from the owner-occu-
pied property’s fair value at the balance sheet date. The fair value is 
calculated on the basis of market-specific rental income per property 
and typical operating expenses for the upcoming year. The resulting 
operating income is divided by the percentage return requirement of 
the property, which has been adjusted to reflect market interest rates 
and property characteristics, corresponding to the present value of a 
perpetual annuity.

Increases in the revalued carrying amount of owner-occupied proper-
ties are credited to the properties’ revaluation reserve in equity. De-
creases that offset previous increases of the same asset are charged 
against the properties’ revaluation reserves directly in equity; all other 
decreases are charged to the income statement.

Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or rec-
ognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, when it is probable that 
future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the 
group, and the cost of the item can be reliably measured. Ordinary re-
pair and maintenance costs are charged to the income statement dur-
ing the financial period in which they are incurred.

Owner-occupied property is depreciated using the straight-line method 
over its expected useful life up to 50 years. Land is not depreciated.

Assets under construction
In connection with the refurbishment of the owner-occupied proper-
ties, part of the costs is recognised at cost under owner-occupied 
property. On completion of the project, depreciation will be made on a 
straight-line basis over the expected useful life, up to the number of 
years stated under the individual categories.

Investment property
Properties held for renting yields that are not occupied by the group 
are classified as investment properties.

Investment property is carried at fair value. Fair value is based on mar-
ket prices, adjusted for any difference in the nature, location or condi-
tion of the specific asset. If this information is not available, the group 
uses alternative valuation methods such as discounted cash flow pro-
jections and recent prices on less active markets.

Gains and losses on disposals and retirements are determined by com-
paring proceeds with carrying amount. Gains and losses are recog-
nised in the income statement. When revalued assets are sold, the 
amounts included in the revaluation reserves are transferred to re-
tained earnings.

The fair value is calculated on the basis of market-specific rental in-
come per property and typical operating expenses for the upcoming 
year. The resulting operating income is divided by the percentage re-
turn requirement of the property, which has been adjusted to reflect 

104 of 152 l Notes l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

market interest rates and property characteristics, corresponding to the 
present value of a perpetual annuity. The value is subsequently ad-
justed with the value in use of the return on prepayments and depos-
its and adjustment for specific property issues such as vacant premises 
or special tenant terms and conditions.

Investments
Investments include financial assets at fair value through the income 
statement. The classification depends on the purpose for which the in-
vestments were acquired. Management determines the classification of 
its investments on initial recognition and re-evaluates this at every re-
porting date.

Changes in fair values are recorded in the income statement.

Impairment of intangible assets, equipment, owner-occupied 
property and investment property
The carrying amount of intangible assets, operating equipment, own-
er-occupied property and investment property is tested at least once a 
year for impairment in the cash-generating unit to which the asset be-
longs, and the asset is written down to the recoverable amount 
through the income statement if the carrying amount is higher. The 
recoverable amount is generally calculated as the present value of the 
future cash flows expected to be derived from the activity to which the 
asset belongs.

Investments in subsidiaries
The parent company’s investments in subsidiaries are recognised and 
measured under the equity method. The parent company’s share of 
the enterprises’ profits or losses after elimination of unrealised intra-
group profits and losses is recognised in the income statement. In the 
balance sheet, investments are measured at the pro rata share of the 
enterprises’ equity.

Subsidiaries with a negative net asset value are measured at zero 
value. Any receivables from these enterprises are written down by the 
parent company’s share of such negative net asset value where the re-
ceivables are deemed irrecoverable. If the negative net asset value ex-
ceeds the amount receivable, the remaining amount is recognised un-
der provisions if the parent company has a legal or constructive 
obligation to cover the liabilities of the relevant enterprise.

Net revaluation of investments in subsidiaries is taken to reserve for 
net revaluation under the equity method if the carrying amount ex-
ceeds cost.

The results of foreign subsidiaries are based on translation of the 
items in the income statement at average exchange rates for the pe-
riod. Income and expenses in domestic enterprises denominated in for-
eign currency are translated at the exchange rate ruling on the date of 
the transaction.

Investments in associates
Associates are enterprises over which the group has significant  
influence but not control, generally accompanying a shareholding of 
between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Investments in associates 
are measured according to the equity method of accounting so that 
the carrying amount of the investment represents the group’s pro- 
portionate share of the enterprises’ net assets.

Income after taxes from investments in associates is included as a  
separate line in the income statement.

Associates with a negative net asset value are measured at zero value. 
If the group has a legal or constructive obligation to cover the associ-
ate’s negative balance, such obligation is recognised under liabilities.

Financial assets measured at fair value with recognition of value 
changes in the income statement comprise assets that form part of  
a trading portfolio and financial assets designated at fair value with 
value adjustment through profit and loss.

financial assets at fair value through income
Financial assets are classified as financial assets available for trading at 
inception if acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the short 
term, or if they form part of a portfolio of financial assets in which 
there is evidence of short-term profit-taking. Derivatives are also clas-
sified as financial assets available for trading unless they are desig-
nated as hedges.

Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows 
from the financial asset have expired, or if they have been transferred, 
and the group has also transferred substantially all risks and rewards 
of ownership. Financial assets are recognised and derecognised on a 
trade date basis – the date on which the group commits to purchase 
or sell the asset. Financial assets are recognised at fair value at the 
transaction date.

Realised and unrealised gains and losses arising from changes in the 
fair value of the financial assets at fair value through income are in-
cluded in the income statement in the period in which they arise.

The fair values of quoted investments are based on stock exchange 
prices at the balance sheet date. For securities that are not listed on  
a stock exchange, or for which no stock exchange price is quoted that 
reflects the fair value of the instrument, the fair value is determined 
using valuation techniques or using OTC prices. These include the use 
of similar recent arm’s length transactions, reference to other instru-
ments that are substantially the same and a discounted cash flow 
analysis.

Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting
The group’s activities expose it to financial risks, including changes  
in share prices, foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and  
inflation. Forward exchange contracts and currency swaps are used  
for currency hedging of portfolios of shares, bonds, hedging of foreign 
entities and insurance balance sheet items. Interest rate derivatives  
in the form of futures, forward contracts, repos, swaps and FRAs are 
used to manage cash flows and interest rate risks related to the  
portfolio of bonds and technical provisions. Share derivates are  
used from time to time to adjust share exposures.

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date on which  
a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently measured at 
their fair value. The valuation is performed in securities systems with 
data usually provided by Nordea, and the valuation is verified using 
own valuation methods. Derivatives which include expected future 
cash flows are discounted on the basis of market interest rates.

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Notes l

105 of 152

Accounts

Notes

Derivatives are recognised from the trade date and measured at  
fair value in the balance sheet. Positive fair values of derivatives are 
recognised as bonds and shares or other receivables if they cannot 
unambiguously be attributed to the former. Negative fair values of  
derivatives are recognised under other payables. Positive and negative 
values are only offset when the company is entitled or intends to  
make net settlement of more financial instruments.

Recognition of the resulting gain or loss depends on whether the  
derivative is designated as a hedging instrument and, if so, the nature 
of the item being hedged. The group designates certain derivatives as 
hedges of investments in foreign operations. Changes in the fair value 
of derivatives that are designated and qualify as net investment 
hedges in foreign net assets and which provide effective currency 
hedging of the net investment are recognised directly in equity. The 
net asset value of the foreign entities as estimated in the beginning 
of the financial year is hedged 90-100% by entering into short-term 
forward exchange contracts according to the requirements of hedge 
accounting. Changes in the fair value relating to the ineffective portion 
are recognised in the income statement. Gains and losses accumulated 
in equity are included in the income statement on disposal of the  
foreign operation.

Reinsurers’ share of provisions for insurance contracts
Contracts entered into by the group with reinsurers under which the 
group is compensated for losses on one or more contracts issued by 
the group and that meet the classification requirements for insurance 
contracts are classified as reinsurers’ share of provisions for insurance 
contracts. Contracts that do not meet these classification requirements 
are classified as financial assets.

The benefits to which the group is entitled under its reinsurance con-
tracts held are recognised as assets and reported as reinsurers’ share 
of provisions for insurance contracts.

Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are measured consistently with 
the amounts associated with the reinsured insurance contracts and in 
accordance with the terms of each reinsurance contract. 

Changes due to unwinding are recognised in technical interest. 
Changes due to changes in the yield curve or foreign currency  
exchange rates are recognised as value adjustments.

The group assesses continuously its reinsurance assets for impairment. 
If there is objective evidence that the reinsurance asset is impaired, the 
group reduces the carrying amount of the reinsurance asset to its recov-
erable amount and recognises that impairment loss in the income state-
ment. Impairment write-downs are recognised in the income statement.

Receivables
Receivables are non-derivative financial instruments with fixed or  
determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market other 
than receivables that the group intends to sell in the short term.  
Receivables arising from insurance contracts are classified in this  
category and are reviewed for impairment as part of the impairment 
review of receivables.

On initial recognition, receivables are measured at fair value, and they 
are subsequently measured at amortised cost. Appropriate allowances 

for estimated irrecoverable amounts are recognised in the income 
statement when there is objective evidence that the asset is impaired. 
The allowance recognised is measured at the difference between the 
asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future 
cash flows.

Other assets
Other assets include current tax assets and cash in hand and at bank. 
Current tax assets are receivables concerning tax for the year adjusted 
for on-account payments and any prior-year adjustments. Cash is rec-
ognised at nominal value at the balance sheet date. 

Prepayments and accrued income
Prepayments include expenses paid in respect of subsequent financial 
years and interest receivable. Accrued underwriting commission relat-
ing to the sale of insurance is also included.

Equity
Share capital
Shares are classified as equity when there is no obligation to transfer 
cash or other assets. Incremental costs directly attributable to the  
issue of equity instruments are shown in equity as a deduction from 
the proceeds, net of tax.

Revaluation reserves
Revaluation of owner-occupied properties is recognised in equity  
unless the revaluation offsets a previous impairment loss, and relates 
primarily to owner-occupied properties.

Exchange adjustment reserve
Assets and liabilities of foreign entities are recognised at the exchange 
rate at the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are recog-
nised at the average exchange rates for the period. Any resulting ex-
change rate differences are recognised in equity. When an entity is 
wound up, the balance is transferred to the income statement. The 
hedging of the exchange rate risk concerning foreign entities is also 
offset in shareholders’ equity in respect of the part that concerns the 
hedge.

Contingency fund reserves
Contingency fund reserves are recognised as part of retained earnings 
under equity. The funds may only be used when so permitted by the 
Danish FSA and when it is to the benefit of the policyholders.

Dividend distribution
Proposed dividend is recognised as a liability at the time of adoption 
by the shareholders at the annual general meeting (the date of  
declaration). Dividends expected to be paid in respect of the year  
are stated as a separate line item under equity.

Treasury shares
The purchase and sale sums of treasury shares and dividends thereon 
are taken directly to retained earnings under equity. Treasury shares 
include shares acquired as part of the share buyback programme and 
shares for employee shares and the share option programmes.

Proceeds from the sale of treasury shares in connection with the exer-
cise of share options or employee shares are taken directly to equity.

106 of 152 l Notes l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

Subordinate loan capital
Subordinate loan capital is recognised initially at fair value, net of 
transaction costs incurred. Subordinate loan capital is subsequently 
stated at amortised cost; any difference between the proceeds (net of 
transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised in the in-
come statement over the period of the borrowings using the effective 
interest method.

Provisions for insurance contracts
Premiums are recognised in the income statement (premium income) 
proportionally over the period of coverage and, where necessary, 
adjusted to reflect any time variation of the risk. The portion of  
premium received on in-force contracts that relates to unexpired risks 
at the balance sheet date is reported as unearned premium provisions.  
Unearned premium provisions are generally calculated according to  
a best estimate of expected payments throughout the agreed risk  
period. However, as a minimum to the part of the premium calculated 
using the pro rata temporis principle until the next payment date.  
Adjustments are made to reflect any variations in the risk. This applies 
to gross as well as ceded business.

Claims and claims handling costs are charged to income as incurred 
based on the estimated liability for compensation owed to contract 
holders or third parties damaged by the contract holders. They include 
direct and indirect claims handling costs and arise from events that 
have occurred up to the balance sheet date even if they have not yet 
been reported to the group. Provisions for claims are estimated using 
the input of assessments for individual cases reported to the group 
and statistical analyses for the claims incurred but not reported and 
the expected ultimate cost of more complex claims that may be af-
fected by external factors (such as court decisions). The provisions  
include claims handling costs. 

Provisions for claims are discounted. Discounting is based on a yield 
curve reflecting duration applied to the expected future payments from 
the provision. Discounting affects the motor liability, professional liabil-
ity, workers’ compensation and personal accident classes, in particular. 

Provisions for bonus and premium rebates represent amounts expected 
to be paid to policyholders in view of the claims experience during the 
financial year.

Provisions for claims are determined for each product line based on  
actuarial methods. In cases where product lines encompass more than 
one business unit, the claims provisions are distributed, as a main rule, 
based on reported number of claims in Denmark and individual claims 
in Norway. The models currently used are Chain-Ladder, Bornhuetter-
Ferguson, the Loss Ratio method, De Vylder’s credibility method and  
a proprietary collective reserve model for use in private business lines 
in Denmark. Chain-Ladder techniques are used for business lines with 
a stable run-off pattern. The Bornhuetter-Ferguson method, and some-
times the Loss Ratio method, are used for claims years in which the 
previous run-off provides insufficient information about the future run-
off performance. De Vylder’s credibility method is used for areas that 
are somewhere in between the Chain-Ladder and Bornhuetter-Fergu-
son/Loss Ratio methods, and may also be used in situations that call 
for the use of exposure targets other than premium volume, for exam-
ple the number of insured.

The proprietary collective model is based exclusively on actual  
payments and is therefore only used for provisions for small claims,  
below DKK 364,000 for motor, or DKK 200,000, for contents and DKK 
100,000  for other. The model is so dynamic that, to the greatest ex-
tent possible, it captures changes in the run-off pattern. It consists  
of two modules, with the first module estimating on a daily basis with 
due consideration to days off and special high-frequency days such as 
New Year’s Eve or days with slippery roads. The model also takes the 
season into consideration, both in terms of claims performance and  
in claims handling intensity. In the second module, estimates are on a 
more aggregate level, and the calculations are based on a generalised 
hierarchic De Vylder model. The provision for annuities in workers’ 
compensation insurance is calculated on the basis of a mortality  
corresponding to the G82 calculation basis (official mortality table). 

In some instances, the historic data used in the actuarial models is not 
necessarily predictive of the future development of claims. Specifically, 
this is the case with legislative changes where in each specific case an 
estimate used for premium increases related to the relevant risk in-
crease is derived. For legislative changes this estimate is used also in 
determining the level of claims – and hence reserves. Subsequently, 
this estimate is updated when new loss history materialises.

Several assumptions and estimates underlying the calculation of the 
provisions for claims are mutually dependent. Most importantly, this can 
be expected to be the case for interest rate and inflation assumptions.

Workers’ compensation is an area in which explicit inflation assump-
tions are used, with annuities for the insured being indexed with the 
workers’ compensation index. An inflation curve that reflects the mar-
ket’s inflation expectations plus a real wage spread is used as an  
approximation to the workers’ compensation index.

For other lines of business, the inflation assumptions, because present 
only implicitly in the actuarial models, will cause a certain lag in pre-
dicting the level of future losses when a shift in inflation occurs. On 
the other hand, the effect of discounting will show immediately as a 
consequence of inflation changes to the extent that this change af-
fects the interest rate.

Other correlations are not significant.

Liability adequacy test
Tests are continuously performed to ensure the adequacy of the  
technical provisions. In performing these tests, current best estimates 
of future cash flows of claims, gains and direct and indirect claims  
handling costs are used. Any deficiency is charged to the income  
statement by raising the relevant provision. Any positive deviations  
are also recognised in the income statement.

Employee benefits
Pension obligations
The group operates various pension schemes. The schemes are funded 
through payments to insurance companies or trustee-administered 
funds. In Norway, the group operates a defined benefit plan. A defined 
benefit plan is a pension plan that defines an amount of pension ben-
efit that an employee will receive on retirement, dependent on age, 
years of service and compensation. In Denmark, the group operates a 
defined contribution plan. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Notes l

107 of 152

Accounts

Notes

under which the group pays fixed contributions into a separate entity 
(a fund) and will have no legal or constructive obligation to pay further 
contributions.

The liability recognised in the balance sheet in respect of defined benefit 
pension plans is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at 
the balance sheet date less the fair value of plan assets, together with 
adjustments for unrecognised actuarial gains or losses and past service 
costs. Expectations of returns on plan assets are based on the return 
within each asset class and the current allocation thereof. Market expec-
tations of future returns are taken into consideration.

The actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and 
changes in actuarial estimates is recognised in equity.

Other employee benefits
Employees of the group are entitled to a fixed payment when they 
reach retirement and when they have been employed with the group 
for 25 and for 40 years. The group recognises this liability as soon as 
the employment begins.

In special instances the employee can enter a contract with the group 
to receive compensation for loss in pension benefits caused by re-
duced working hours. The group recognises this liability based on sta-
tistical models.

Income tax and deferred tax
The group provides current tax expense according to the tax law of 
each jurisdiction in which it operates. Current tax liabilities and current 
tax receivables are recognised in the balance sheet as estimated tax 
on the taxable income for the year, adjusted for change in tax on prior 
years’ taxable income and for tax paid under the on-account tax 
scheme.

Deferred tax is measured according to the balance sheet liability 
method on all timing differences between the tax and accounting 
value of assets and liabilities. Deferred income tax is measured using 
tax rules and tax rates that apply in the relevant countries by the bal-
ance sheet date when the deferred tax asset is realised or the deferred 
income tax liability is settled.

financial liabilities
Bond loans, debt to credit institutions, etc. are recognised at the rais-
ing of the loan as the proceeds received less transaction costs. In the 
subsequent periods, financial liabilities are measured at amortised 
cost, applying the ‘effective interest rate method’, to the effect that 
the difference between the proceeds and the nominal value is recog-
nised in the income statement under financial expenses over the term 
of the loan. Transaction costs in connection with floating-rate loans or 
floating-rate credit facilities are amortised over the loan period using 
straight-line amortisation.

Other liabilities are measured at net realisable value.

Cash flow statement
The cash flow statement of the group is presented using the direct 
method and shows cash flows from operating, investing and financing 
activities as well as the group’s cash and cash equivalents at the be-
ginning and the end of the financial year. No separate cash flow state-
ment has been prepared for the parent company because it is included 
in the consolidated cash flow statement.

Cash flows from acquisition and divestment of enterprises are shown 
separately under cash flows from investing activities. Cash flows from 
acquired enterprises are recognised in the cash flow statement from 
the time of their acquisition, and cash flows from divested enterprises 
are recognised up to the time of sale.

Cash flows from operating activities are calculated whereby major 
classes of gross cash receipts and gross cash payments are disclosed.

Cash flows from investing activities comprise payments in connection 
with acquisition and divestment of enterprises and activities as well as 
purchase and sale of intangible assets, property, plant and equipment 
as well as fixed asset investments.

Cash flows from financing activities comprise changes in the size or 
composition of TrygVesta’s share capital and related costs as well as 
the raising of loans, instalments on interest-bearing debt, and pay-
ment of dividends.

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash and demand deposits.

Deferred income tax assets, including the tax value of tax losses car-
ried forward, are recognised to the extent that it is probable that fu-
ture taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differ-
ences can be utilised.

financial highlights and key ratios 
Financial highlights and key ratios for the TrygVesta Group are set out 
at the beginning of the Annual Report.

Deferred income tax is provided on temporary differences concerning 
investments, except where TrygVesta controls when the temporary dif-
ference will be realised, and it is probable that the temporary differ-
ence will not be realised in the foreseeable future.

Provisions
Provisions are recognised when, as a consequence of an event that 
has occurred before or on the balance sheet date, the group has a le-
gal or constructive obligation, and it is likely that an outflow of re-
sources will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are meas-
ured as the management’s best estimate of the amount with which 
the liability is expected to be settled.

108 of 152

l Notes l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

DKKm   

2007 

2008

2  Earned premiums, net of reinsurance 

  Direct insurance 

Indirect insurance 

  Unexpired risk provision 

  Ceded direct insurance 
  Ceded indirect insurance 

16,764 
78 

16,842 
-13 

16,829 
-891 
-48 

15,890 

  Direct insurance, by location of risk 

  2007 

  2008

  Denmark 
  Other EU countries 
  Other countries 

3  Technical interest, net of reinsurance 

Interest on insurance provisions 

  Transferred from provisions for claims concerning discounting 
  Return on discontinued business 

4  Claims incurred, net of insurance 

  Claims incurred 
  Run-off previous years, gross 

  Reinsurance recoveries 
  Run-off previous years, reinsurers’ share 

Gross 

9,321 
469 
6,961 

16,751 

Ceded 

-512 
-29 
-350 

-891 

Gross 

9,538 
742 
7,168 

17,448 

1,400 
-896 
-3 

501 

-11,919 
744 

-11,175 
502 
-1 

-10,674 

  Under claims incurred, the value adjustment of inflation swaps to hedge the inflation risk concerning annuities on workers’ 

compensation insurance totals DKK 8m (in 2007 DKK -22m.) 

5 

Insurance operating expenses, net of reinsurance 

  Commission regarding direct business 
  Other acquisition costs 

  Total acquisition costs 
  Administrative expenses 

Insurance operating expenses, gross 

  Commission from reinsurers 

  Administative expenses include fee to the auditors appointed by the Annual General Meeting: 
  Deloitte  

  Of which services other than audit: 
  Deloitte  

In adddition, expenses have been incurred for the Group´s Internal Audit Department. 

-406 
-1,415 

-1,821 
-948 

-2,769 
95 

-2,674 

-8 

-8 

-2 

-2 

17,465
47

17,512
-17

17,495
-819
-41

16,635

Ceded

-489
-16
-314

-819

1,428
-926
-3

499

-12,634
868

-11,766
194
-75

-11,647

-429
-1,818

-2,247
-756

-3,003
72

-2,931

-8

-8

-1

-1

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Notes l 109 of 152

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts

Notes

DKKm   

5 

Insurance operating expenses, gross, classified by type 

  Commision 
  Staff expenses 
  Other staff expenses 
  Office expenses and fees, headquarter expenses 
  Operating and maintenance costs IT, software expenses 
  Depreciation, amortisation and impairment writedowns 
  Other income 

  Total lease expenses amount to DKK 66m (in 2007 DKK 106m). 

Insurance operating expenses and claims include the following staff expenditure: 

  Salaries and wages 
  Commision 
  Allocated share options 
  Pensions 
  Other social security costs 
  Payroll tax 

2007 

2008

-406 
-1,594 
-198 
-462 
-198 
-102 
191 

-2,769 

-1,832 
-21 
-8 
-257 
-5 
-249 

-2,372 

-429
-1,658
-232
-557
-208
-111
192

-3,003

-1,972
-17
-14
-282
-5
-256

-2,546

  Remuneration for the Supervisory Board and Group Executive Management is disclosed in note 31 ‘Related parties’.  

  Average number of full-time employees during the year 

3,813 

3,985

110 of 152

l Notes l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
DKKm   

5  Share option programmes

 In 2008, TrygVesta awarded share options to the Executive Management (3 persons) and other senior employees (69 persons) and other 
employees (39 persons). At 31 December 2008, the share option plan comprised 572,367 share options (at 31 December 2007 329,902 
share options). Each share option entitles the holder to acquire one existing share of DKK 25 nominal value in the company. The share 
option plan entitles the holders to buy 0.84% of the share capital if all share options are exercised.
 The share option agreement entitles the employee to the options unless the employee resigns his position or is dismissed due to breach of the 
employment relationship. In case of termination due to restructuring or retirement, the employee is still entitled to the options. Special provisions 
are in place concerning sickness and death and in case of change to the company’s capital position.  No other vesting conditions apply.
 The share option programmes are classified as equity-settled and recognised directly in equity. Treasury shares are acquired for use and 
hedging purposes, se note 20. Specification of outstanding options:

  Share options

 TOTAL NUMBERS 

Group 
Executive 
Management 

Other 
senior 
em- 
ployees 

Other 
em- 
ployees 

fAIR VALUE

  Total fair

option  option at 

Per  value per  Per option  Total fair
at 31  value at 31
at grant  grant date  December  December
DKKm

DKKm 

DKK 

Total   date DKK  

  2007 
  2006 allocation 
  Allocated in 2006,  1 January 
  Exercised 
  Cancelled 
  Expired 

35,370 
0 
0 
0 

150,650 
0 
-2,620 
0 

0 
0 
0 
0 

186,020 
0 
-2,620 
0 

  Outstanding options from 2006  
  allocation 31 Dec 2007 

35,370 

148,030 

0 

183,400 

  2007 allocation 
  Allocated in 2007 
  Exercised 
  Cancelled  
  Expired 

  Outstanding options from 2007 
  allocation 31 Dec 2007 

  Number of options exercisable 
  end of 2007 

  2008 
  2006 allocation 
  Allocated in 2006,  1 January 
  Exercised 
  Cancelled 
  Expired 

25,700 
0 
0 
0 

106,255 
0 
-1,453 
0 

18,000 
0 
-2,000 
0 

149,955 
0 
-3,453 
0 

25,700 

104,802 

16,000 

146,502 

0 

0 

35,370 
0 
0 
0 

148,030 
0 
-2,620 
0 

0 

0 
0 
0 
0 

0 

183,400 
0 
-2,620 
0 

  Outstanding options from 2006 
  allocation 31 Dec 2008 

35,370 

145,410 

0 

180,780 

  2007 allocation 
  Allocated in 2007,  1 January 
  Exercised 
  Cancelled 
  Expired 

25,700 
0 
0 
0 

104,802 
0 
-2,906 
0 

16,000 
0 
0 
0 

146,502 
0 
-2,906 
0 

  Outstanding options from 2007 
  allocation 31 Dec 2008 

25,700 

101,896 

16,000 

143,596 

  2008 allocation 
  Allocated in 2008 
  Exercised 
  Cancelled  
  Expired 

52,088 
0 
0 
0 

167,203 
0 
0 
0 

28,700 
0 
0 
0 

247,991 
0 
0 
0 

  Outstanding options from 2008 
  allocation 31 Dec 2008 

  Number of options exercisable  
  end of 2008 

52,088 

167,203 

28,700 

247,991 

0 

0 

0 

0 

64 
0 
64 
0 

- 

99 
0 
99 
0 

- 

0 

64 
0 
64 
0 

- 

99 
0 
99 
0 

- 

69 
0 
0 
0 

- 

0 

12 
0 
0 
0 

12 

15 
0 
-1 
0 

14 

0 

12 
0 
0 
0 

12 

14 
0 
0 
0 

14 

17 
0 
0 
0 

17 

0 

119 
0 
119 
0 

- 

49 
0 
49 
0 

- 

0 

83 
0 
83 
0 

- 

45 
0 
45 
0 

- 

79 
0 
0 
0 

- 

0 

22
0
0
0

22

7
0
0
0

7

0

15
0
0
0

15

7
0
0
0

7

20
0
0
0

20

0 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Notes l 111 of 152

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts

Notes

DKKm   

5  Share option programmes

Allocated  

  Total numbers 

share options  Exercised  Cancelled  Expired  Outstanding 

Period of exercise 

  Outstanding options  
  by exercise date: 
  Allocated in 2006 concerning 2005 
  Allocated in 2007 concerning 2006 
  Allocated in 2008 concerning 2007 

183,400 
146,502 
247,991 

  Outstanding options 31 Dec. 2008  577,893 

0 
0 
0 

0 

-2,620 
-2,906 
0 

-5,526 

0 
0 
0 

0 

180,780  February 2009 - February 2011 
143,596  February 2010 - February 2012 
247,991  February 2011 - February 2013 

572,367 

 In 2008, the fair value of share options for the Group amounted to DKK 13.5m. The fair value in 2008 for the programme allocated in 
2006, 20007 and 2008 is DKK 24m. Fair values at the time of allocation are based on the Black & Scholes option pricing formula.

  The following assumptions were applied in calculating the market value of outstanding share options at the time of allocation:

  Share option programmes 

  Average share price (DKK) at time of allocation 
  Exercise price (DKK) 
  Expected volatility 
  Expected maturity 
  Risk-free interest rate 

2006 

355.85 
0 
17.9% 
4 years 
3.3% 

2007 

456.76 
0 
24.1% 
4 years 
3.9% 

2008 

378.24  
0  
20.3%  
4 years  
3.6%  

  The expected volatility is based on the average volatility of TrygVesta shares in 2008. 

 The expected maturity is 4 years, corresponding to the average of the exercise period of 3 to 5 years. The risk-free interest rate is based 
on a bullet loan with the same maturity as the expected maturity for the options at the time of allocation. The calculation is based on the 
strike price as set out in the option agreement and the average share price at the time of grant. The dividend payout ratio is not included 
in the calculation as the strike price is reduced by dividends paid in order to prevent recipients of option payments from being penalised 
for the company’s dividend payments. The assumptions for calculating the market value at the end of the period are based on the same 
principles as for the market value at the time of allocation. 

 For outstanding options at 31 December 2008, the average term to maturity is 1.2 years for the 2006 programme,  2.2 years for the 
2007 programme and 3.2 years for the 2008 programme. 

112 of 152

l Notes l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DKKm 

 5

  Employee shares 

 In 2008, TrygVesta granted employee shares at a discount to the market price to employees at all levels in the Group. Employees of non-
Danish branches were offered employee shares or alternatively a cash consideration. Each employee was offered 28 shares at a discount 
to the market price equal to DKK 25 per share, equivalent to a total of 59,492 shares or around DKK 23m being granted to the employees.  

 Senior executives received part of their bonus in the form of shares at a discount to the market price. In 2008, a total of 26,323 shares 
were granted at discount to the market price of DKK 25 per share or DKK 9.3m. The grant of shares equalled 0.1% of the share capital.   

  The amount was provided in 2007 and did not affect the profit for 2008.  

 In 2008, TrygVesta offered its employees employee shares at a discount to the market price equal to DKK 25 per share subject to achieve-
ment of specific financial benchmarks for 2008. Employees of non-Danish branches were offered employee shares or an alternative cash 
consideration. Senior executives of TrygVesta may elect to receive part of their bonus for 2008 in the form of shares at a discount to the 
market price. Bonus will be granted in early 2009. Provisions have been made for the above obligations in 2008. 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Notes l 113 of 152

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
Accounts

Notes

DKKm   

SEGMENTS

6  Operating segments 

  2007 

P&C 
Denmark 

P&C 
Norway 

Corporate 

finland 

Sweden 

Other 

Total

  Gross premiums earned 
  Gross claims 
  Gross operating expenses 
  Profit/loss on business ceded 
  Technical interest, 
  net of reinsurance 

  Technical result 

6,490 
-4,041 
-1,086 
-87 

164 

1,440 

  Total return on investment 
  activities after technical interest 
  Other income and expenses 

4,490 
-2,962 
-936 
-82 

182 

692 

5,285 
-3,904 
-504 
-172 

137 

842 

  Profit before tax 
  Tax 

  Profit on continuing business 
  Profit/loss on discontinued 
  and divested business 

  Profit 

Investments in associates 
  Reinsurers’ share of provision 

for unearned premiums 

  Reinsurers’ share of 
  provision for claims 
  Other assets 

  Total assets 

  Provisions for unearned 
  premiums 
  Provisions for claims 
  Provisions for bonuses 
  and premium rebates 
  Provisions 
  Debt 
  Accruals and deferred income 

  Total liabilities 

  Description of segments

0 

13 

62 

0 

0 

0 

146 

139 

1,227 

2,485 
7,092 

268 

1,505 
3,417 

1,317 
10,292 

0 

141 

251 
-188 
-125 
-1 

14 

-49 

0 

0 

0 

64 
172 

0 

90 
-80 
-95 
0 

3 

-82 

0 

0 

0 

32 
33 

0 

0 
0 
-23 
-1 

1 

-23 

19 

0 

0 
42,224 

0 
98 

0 
1,569 
4,143 
91 

16,606
-11,175
-2,769
-343

501

2,820

340
-51

3,109
-842

2,267

-1

2,266

19

159

1,428
42,224

43,830

5,403
21,104

409
1,569
4,143
91

32,719

 Please refer to ‘Our business areas’ in the Annual Report 2008 for a description of our operating segments. Amounts relating to  
TrygVesta A/S, Tryg Ejendomme A/S, Ejendomsselskabet af 8. maj and eliminations are included in ‘Other’. Depreciation/amortisation  
is included in gross operating expenses, but managed at Group level and allocation to the individual segments would therefore not  
provide a true and fair view. Other assets and liabilities are managed at Group level and are therefore not allocated to  
the individual segments. These amounts are thus included under ‘Other’. 

 Costs are allocated according to specific keys, which are believed to provide the best estimate of assessed resource consumption.  
A presentation of segments broken down by geography is provided in ‘Financial highlights and key ratios by geography.’

114 of 152

l Notes l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DKKm   

SEGMENTS

6  Operating segments 

  2008 

P&C 
Denmark 

P&C 
Norway 

Corporate 

finland 

Sweden 

Other 

Total

  Gross premiums earned 
  Gross claims 
  Gross operating expenses 
  Profit/loss on business ceded 
  Technical interest,  
  net of reinsurance 

  Technical result 

6,605 
-4,443 
-1,155 
-89 

180 

1,098 

  Total return on investment  
  activities after technical interest 
  Other income and expenses 

4,636 
-3,371 
-1,004 
-68 

122 

315 

5,512 
-3,489 
-588 
-516 

173 

1,092 

  Profit before tax 
  Tax 

  Profit on continuing business 
  Profit/loss on discontinued  
  and divested business 

  Profit 

Investments in associates 
  Reinsurers’ share of provision  

for unearned premiums 

  Reinsurers’ share of  
  provision for claims 
  Other assets 

  Total assets 

  Provisions for unearned  
  premiums 
  Provisions for claims 
  Provisions for bonuses  
  and premium rebates 
  Provisions 
  Debt 
  Accruals and deferred income 

  Total liabilities 

0 

0 

49 

0 

0 

99 

0 

176 

712 

2,528 
6,780 

250 

1,202 
3,088 

1,222 
9,489 

0 

128 

354 
-258 
-154 
-1 

17 

-42 

0 

0 

0 

90 
207 

0 

221 
-214 
-104 
0 

7 

-90 

0 

0 

0 

58 
84 

0 

-5 
9 
2 
5 

0 

11 

0

14 

0 

0 
37,395 

0 
67 

0 
1,508 
2,311 
87 

17,323
-11,766
-3,003
-669

499

2,384

-988
-49

1,347
-501

846

846

14

176

860
37,395

38,445

5,100
19,715

378
1,508
2,311
87

29,099

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Notes l 115 of 152

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts

Notes

DKKm

6   Technical result, net of reinsurance, by line of business 

Accident 
and health   

health care 

Worker’s 
compensation 

Motor 

TPL 

Motor 

comprehensive 

Marine aviation

and cargo

2007  

2008  

2007  

2008  

2007  

2008 

2007  

2008  

2007  

2008  

2007  

2008

  Gross premiums written 

  Gross premiums earned 
  Gross claims 
  Gross operating expenses 
  Profit/loss on ceded business 
  Technical interest, net of reinsurance 

  Technical result 

 1,615 

 1,535 
- 841 
- 249 
 12 
 53 

 510 

 1,691 

 1,679 
- 1,033 
- 278 
 2 
 58 

 428 

 112 

 74 
- 108 
- 23 
 0 
 4 

- 53 

 195 

 152 
- 215 
- 25 
 0 
 5 

- 83 

 1,487 

 1,424 
- 1,514 
- 150 
 13 
 58 

- 169 

 1,525 

 1,536 
- 933 
- 176 
- 47 
 63 

 443 

 2,416 

 2,389 

- 757 

- 386 

- 13 

 76 

 2,375 

 2,412 

- 994 

- 415 

- 16 

 65 

 1,309 

 1,052 

 3,094 

 3,007 

- 1,982 

- 461 

 0 

 71 

 635 

 3,240 

 3,092 

- 2,327 

- 498 

 0 

 72 

 339 

  Claims frequency * 
  Average claims DKK ** 
  Total claims 

8.0% 
 22,582  
 74,723  

8.4% 
 21,871  
 81,213  

23.0% 
 20,942  
 5,294  

67.2% 
 10,495  
 20,139  

24.2% 
 70,177  
 15,688  

26.3% 
 68,748  
 17,109  

5.9% 

 20,817  

 75,637  

6.3% 

 16,290  

 83,569  

20.7% 

 10,759  

 186,909  

22.3% 

 10,623  

 212,185  

10.0% 

 81,703  

 6,781  

10.0%

 70,555 

 7,105

fire & contents 
(Private)   

fire and contents 
(Commercial) 

Change 
of ownership 

Liability 

insurance 

insurance

Credit & guarantee 

Tourist assistance

2007  

2008  

2007  

2008  

2007  

2008 

2007  

2008  

2007  

2008  

2007  

2008

  Gross premiums written 

  Gross premiums earned 
  Gross claims 
  Gross operating expenses 
  Profit/loss on ceded business 
  Technical interest, net of reinsurance 

  Technical result 

3,195 

 3,149 
- 2,331 
- 704 
- 102 
 113 

 125 

3,351 

 3,258 
- 2,734 
- 739 
- 102 
 78 

- 239 

2,451 

 2,471 
- 1,760 
- 398 
- 280 
 61 

 94 

2,484 

 2,474 
- 1,672 
- 451 
- 321 
 61 

 91 

98 

 85 
- 72 
- 11 
 0 
 9 

 11 

88 

 89 
- 94 
- 12 
 0 
 10 

- 7 

724 

 664 

- 271 

- 126 

- 88 

 21 

 200 

745 

 729 

- 428 

- 138 

- 50 

 25 

 138 

146 

 146 

 1 

- 41 

- 32 

 4 

 78 

164 

 159 

- 34 

- 50 

- 31 

 4 

 48 

  Claims frequency * 
  Average claims DKK ** 
  Total claims 

12.8% 
 11,239  
 199,579  

12.5% 
 11,876  
 202,314  

20.7% 
 49,224  
 36,529  

19.9% 
 46,185  
 35,651  

14.8% 
 8,193  
 7,702  

11.8% 
 12,448  
 6,732  

10.6% 

 46,661  

 8,589  

10.3% 

 48,025  

 8,489  

0.7% 

0.9% 

 48,061  

 1,220,934  

 19  

 28  

7.1% 

 7,192  

 10,435  

8.3%

 7,303 

 14,987

 699 

 688 

- 586 

- 92 

 156 

 1 

 167 

261 

 268 

- 214 

- 54 

- 1 

 7 

 6 

 787

 739

- 487

- 98

- 104

 25

 75

327

 323

- 255

- 55

- 1

 7

 19

  Gross premiums written 

  Gross premiums earned 
  Gross claims 
  Gross operating expenses 
  Profit/loss on ceded business 
  Technical interest, net of reinsurance 

  Technical result 

Other 
insurance  

2007 

 147 

 146 
- 327 
- 8 
- 5 
 0 

- 194 

2008 

 114 

 121 
- 26 
 4 
 3 
- 1 

 101 

Total 

Norwegian Group Life 
One-year policies 

2007  

2008  

2007  

2008  

 16,445 

 16,046 
- 10,762 
- 2,703 
- 340 
 478 

 2,719 

 17,086 

 16,763 
- 11,232 
- 2,931 
- 667 
 472 

 2,405 

 514 

 560 
- 413 
- 66 
- 3 
 23 

 101 

 543 

 560 
- 534 
- 72 
- 2 
 27 

- 21 

  Claims frequency * 
  Average claims DKK ** 
  Total claims 

- 
 377,446  
 834  

-

 15,660  
 919  

  * The claims frequency is calculated as the number of claims incurred in proportion to the average number of insurance contracts. 
  ** Average claims are total claims before run-off relative to total number of claims incurred. 

116 of 152

l Notes l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DKKm

6   Technical result, net of reinsurance, by line of business 

Accident 

and health   

health care 

Worker’s 

compensation 

Motor 
TPL 

Motor 
comprehensive 

Marine aviation
and cargo

2007  

2008  

2007  

2008  

2007  

2008 

2007  

2008  

2007  

2008  

2007  

2008

  Gross premiums written 

  Gross premiums earned 

  Gross claims 

  Gross operating expenses 

  Profit/loss on ceded business 

  Technical interest, net of reinsurance 

  Technical result 

 1,615 

 1,535 

- 841 

- 249 

 12 

 53 

 510 

 1,691 

 1,679 

- 1,033 

- 278 

 2 

 58 

 428 

 112 

 74 

- 108 

- 23 

 0 

 4 

- 53 

 195 

 152 

- 215 

- 25 

 0 

 5 

- 83 

 1,487 

 1,424 

- 1,514 

- 150 

 13 

 58 

- 169 

 1,525 

 1,536 

- 933 

- 176 

- 47 

 63 

 443 

 2,416 

 2,375 

 2,389 
- 757 
- 386 
- 13 
 76 

 2,412 
- 994 
- 415 
- 16 
 65 

 1,309 

 1,052 

 3,094 

 3,007 
- 1,982 
- 461 
 0 
 71 

 635 

 3,240 

 3,092 
- 2,327 
- 498 
 0 
 72 

 339 

 699 

 688 
- 586 
- 92 
 156 
 1 

 167 

 787

 739
- 487
- 98
- 104
 25

 75

  Claims frequency * 

  Average claims DKK ** 

  Total claims 

8.0% 

 22,582  

 74,723  

8.4% 

 21,871  

 81,213  

23.0% 

 20,942  

 5,294  

67.2% 

 10,495  

 20,139  

24.2% 

 70,177  

 15,688  

26.3% 

 68,748  

 17,109  

5.9% 
 20,817  
 75,637  

6.3% 
 16,290  
 83,569  

20.7% 
 10,759  
 186,909  

22.3% 
 10,623  
 212,185  

10.0% 
 81,703  
 6,781  

10.0%
 70,555 
 7,105

fire & contents 

(Private)   

fire and contents 

(Commercial) 

Change 

of ownership 

Liability 

Credit & guarantee 
insurance 

Tourist assistance
insurance

2007  

2008  

2007  

2008  

2007  

2008 

2007  

2008  

2007  

2008  

2007  

2008

  Gross premiums written 

  Gross premiums earned 

  Gross claims 

  Gross operating expenses 

  Profit/loss on ceded business 

  Technical interest, net of reinsurance 

  Technical result 

3,195 

 3,149 

- 2,331 

- 704 

- 102 

 113 

 125 

3,351 

 3,258 

- 2,734 

- 739 

- 102 

 78 

- 239 

2,451 

 2,471 

- 1,760 

- 398 

- 280 

 61 

 94 

2,484 

 2,474 

- 1,672 

- 451 

- 321 

 61 

 91 

724 

 664 
- 271 
- 126 
- 88 
 21 

 200 

745 

 729 
- 428 
- 138 
- 50 
 25 

 138 

146 

 146 
 1 
- 41 
- 32 
 4 

 78 

164 

 159 
- 34 
- 50 
- 31 
 4 

 48 

261 

 268 
- 214 
- 54 
- 1 
 7 

 6 

327

 323
- 255
- 55
- 1
 7

 19

  Claims frequency * 

  Average claims DKK ** 

  Total claims 

12.8% 

 11,239  

 199,579  

12.5% 

 11,876  

 202,314  

20.7% 

 49,224  

 36,529  

19.9% 

 46,185  

 35,651  

14.8% 

 8,193  

 7,702  

11.8% 

 12,448  

 6,732  

10.6% 
 46,661  
 8,589  

10.3% 
 48,025  
 8,489  

0.7% 
 48,061  
 19  

0.9% 
 1,220,934  
 28  

7.1% 
 7,192  
 10,435  

8.3%
 7,303 
 14,987

98 

 85 

- 72 

- 11 

 0 

 9 

 11 

 514 

 560 

- 413 

- 66 

- 3 

 23 

 101 

88 

 89 

- 94 

- 12 

 0 

 10 

- 7 

 543 

 560 

- 534 

- 72 

- 2 

 27 

- 21 

Other 

insurance  

Total 

Norwegian Group Life 

One-year policies 

2007  

2008  

2007  

2008  

  Gross premiums written 

  Gross premiums earned 

  Gross claims 

  Gross operating expenses 

  Profit/loss on ceded business 

  Technical interest, net of reinsurance 

2007 

 147 

 146 

- 327 

- 8 

- 5 

 0 

2008 

 114 

 121 

- 26 

 4 

 3 

- 1 

 16,445 

 16,046 

- 10,762 

- 2,703 

- 340 

 478 

 17,086 

 16,763 

- 11,232 

- 2,931 

- 667 

 472 

  Technical result 

- 194 

 101 

 2,719 

 2,405 

  Claims frequency * 

  Average claims DKK ** 

  Total claims 

- 

 377,446  

 834  

-

 15,660  

 919  

  * The claims frequency is calculated as the number of claims incurred in proportion to the average number of insurance contracts. 

  ** Average claims are total claims before run-off relative to total number of claims incurred. 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Notes l 117 of 152

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts

Notes

DKKm   

2007 

2008

7 

Interest and dividends 

  Dividends 

Interest income cash in hand and at bank 
Interest income bonds 
Interest income other  

Interest expenses 
Interest expenses subordinated loan capital and credit institutions 
Interest expenses other 

8  Market value adjustment 

168 
46 
1,112 
56 

1,382 

-76 
-12 

-88 

1,294 

  Market value adjustments concerning financial assets or liabilities at fair value with value adjustment in the income statement: 
  Equity investments 
  Unit trust units 
  Share derivatives 
  Bonds 

Interest derivatives 

  Market value adjustments concerning assets and liabilities that cannot be attributed to IAS 39: 

Investment property 

  Owner-occupied property 
  Discounting 
  Other balance sheet items 

  Market value gains 
  Market value losses 

  Market value adjustment, net 

99 
-80 
0 
25 
-56 

-12 

107 
14 
298 
8 

427 

415 

1,861 
-1,446 

415 

39
49
1,404
31

1,523

-83
-17

-100

1,423

-521
-549
98
456
17

-499

70
8
-478
-109

-509

-1,008

1,656
-2,664

-1,008

 Exchange rate adjustments recognised in the income statement concerning assets and liabilities not measured at fair value total DKK 
129m (in 2007 DKK 73m). Under market value adjustment the adjustment of inflation swaps totals DKK -46m (in 2007 DKK 4m.) 

9  Tax

  Reconciliation of tax 
  Tax on profit for the year 
  Diffrence between Danish and foreign tax rate 
  Prior-year tax adjustment 
  Change tax rate 
  Tax on non-taxable income and expenses, and tax concerning limitation of deductibility 
  Change in valuation of tax assets 
  Other taxes 

  Effective tax rate 
  Tax on profit for the year 
  Diffrence between Danish and foreign tax rate 
  Prior-year tax adjustment 
  Change tax rate in Denmark 
  Tax on non-taxable income and expenses, and tax concerning limitation of deductibility 
  Change in valuation of tax assets 
  Other taxes 

-777 
-39 
13 
20 
-2 
-42 
-15 

-842 

% 
25 
1 
0 
-1 
0 
1 
1 

27 

-337
1
72
0
-203
-26
-8

-501

%
25
0
-5
0
15
2
0

37

  See TrygVestas financial performance 2008 for futher information in the Management’s report regarding the tax expense 

118 of 152

l Notes l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
DKKm   

2007 

2008

  10  Profit/loss on discontinued and divested business 

  Technical interest, net of reinsurance 
  Claims incurred, net of reinsurance 

Insurance operating expenses, net of reinsurance 

  Technical result 

  Profit/loss before tax 

  Profit/loss on discontinued and divested business 

  11 

Intangible assets 

  Cost 
  Balance 1 January 
  Exchange rate adjustment 
  Transferred to operating equipment 
  Additions during the year 
  Disposals during the year 

  Balance 31 December 

  Amortisation and writedowns 
  Balance 1 January 
  Exchange rate adjustment 
  Amortisation for the year 
  Reversed amortisation 

  Balance 31 December 

  Carrying amount 31 December 

3 
-1 
-3 

-1 

-1 

-1 

373 
4 
-1 
175 
-23 

528 

-153 
-3 
-56 
19 

-193 

335 

Intangible assets under development amount to a total of DKK 198m (in 2007 DKK 220m). 

  Additions for internally generated expenses amount to DKK 21m (in 2007 DKK 22m). 
  Amortisation is recognised in the income statement under insurance operating expenses and claims incurred.  

  12  Operating equipment 

  Cost 
  Balance 1 January 
  Exchange rate adjustment 
  Transferred from intangible assets 
  Additions during the year 
  Disposals during the year 

  Balance 31 December 

  Depreciation and impairment writedowns 
  Balance 1 January 
  Exchange rate adjustment 
  Depreciation for the year 
  Reversed depreciation 

  Balance 31 December 

  Carrying amount 31 December 

243 
1 
1 
43 
-59 

229 

-145 
-1 
-31 
28 

-149 

80 

  Amortisation is recognised in the income statement under insurance operating expenses and claims incurred.  

3
-1
-2

0

0

0

528
-21
-1
154
-15

645

-193
22
-31
7

-195

450

229
-9
1
3
-39

185

-149
8
-20
22

-139

46

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Notes l 119 of 152

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts

Notes

DKKm   

  13  Owner-occupied property 

  Cost 
  Balance 1 January 
  Exchange rate adjustment 
  Additions during the year* 
  Disposals during the year 

  Balance 31 December 

  Accumulated value adjustments 
  Balance 1 January 
  Value adjustment for the year at revalued amount in profit and loss 
  Value adjustment for the year at revalued amount in equity 

  Balance 31 December 

  Accumulated depreciation 
  Balance 1 January 
  Exchange rate adjustment 
  Depreciation for the year 

  Balance 31 December 

2007 

2008

317 
10 
0 
-9 

318 

12 
-17 
-3 

-8 

-3 
0 
-1 

-4 

318
-57
1,085
-13

1,333

-8
-1
0

-9

-4
1
-6

-9

  Balance at revalued amount at 31 December 

306 

1,315

  * Additions during the year include the purchase of owner-occupied property in  
  Ejendomsselskabet af 8. maj totalling DKK 1,085m.

 Amortisation is recognised in the income statement under insurance operating expenses  
and claims incurred.  External experts were not involved in valuing owner-occupied property. 

In establishing the market value of the properties, the following return percentages were  

  used for each property category: 

  Office property 

  Office property 

Lowest 
percentage 
2008 

6.80 

Lowest 
percentage 
2007 

7.00 

Average 
percentage 
2008 

7.00 

Average 
percentage 
2007 

7.83 

highest
percentage
2008

7.90

highest
percentage
2007

7.90

120 of 152

l Notes l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DKKm   

2007 

2008

  14  Assets under construction 

  Cost 
  Balance 1 January 
  Additions during the year 

  Balance 31 December 

  Accumulated value adjustments 
  Balance 1 January 
  Value adjustment for the year at revalued amount in profit and loss 

  Balance 31 December 

  Balance at revalued amount at 31 December 

0 
0 

0 

0 
0 

0 

0 

 Value adjustments for the year relate to costs associated with refurbishment and improvement of  
owner-occupied property. It has been assessed that the costs cannot be contained in the future value  
of the owner-occupied property, which is the reason why the property has been written down. 

  15 

Investment property 

  Fair value 1 January 
  Exchange rate adjustment 
  Additions during the year 
  Disposals during the year 
  Value adjustment for the year 

  fair value 31 December 

2,127 
13 
23 
-5 
105 

2,263 

  Total rental income for 2008 amounts to DKK 168m (DKK 159m in 2007). 

 Total expenses for 2008 amount to DKK 40m (DKK 43m in 2007). Of this amount, unlet property  
represented DKK 0.5m (DKK 1m in 2007). Total expenses for investment property generating  
rental income thus amount to DKK 39.5m (DKK 42m in 2007). 

  External experts were not involved in valuing investment property. 

In establishing the market value of the properties, the following return percentages were used for 

  each property category. 

0
54

54

0
-54

-54

0

2,263
-96
80
-66
65

2,246

  Business property 
  Office property 
  Residential property 

  Business property 
  Office property 
  Residential property 

Lowest 
percentage 
2008 

7.00 
3.80 
4.00 

Lowest 
percentage 
2007 

7.00 
3.75 
4.00 

Average 
percentage 
2008 

7.30 
6.70 
5.30 

Average 
percentage 
2007 

7.27 
6.57 
5.30 

highest
percentage
2008

7.50
7.80
6.00

highest
percentage
2007

7.50
7.50
6.00

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Notes l 121 of 152

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts

Notes

DKKm   

  16 

Investments in associates 

  Cost 
  Balance 1 January 

  Balance 31 December 

  Revaluations at net asset value 
  Balance 1 January 
  Exchange rate adjustment 
  Revaluations during the year 
  Reversed depriciation 

  Balance 31 December 

  Carrying amount 31 December 

2007 

2008

0 

0 

18 
0 
1 
0 

19 

19 

0

0

19
-3
0
-2

14

14

  Shares in associates according to the lastest financial statements: 

  2008 

  Name and registered office 

Assets 

Liabilities 

  Shareholders’ 
equity 

Revenue 

Profit/loss 
for the year 

Ownership
share in %

  Komplementarselskabet  
  af 1. marts 2006 ApS, DK 

  Bilskadeinstituttet AS, Norway 

  Edsvåg Fabrikker AS, Norway 

  2007 

0 

4 

32 

0 

0 

3 

0 

4 

29 

0 

1 

12 

0 

0 

3 

50

30

28

  Name and registered office 

Assets 

Liabilities 

  Shareholders’ 
equity 

Revenue 

Profit/loss 
for the year 

Ownership
share in %

  Komplementarselskabet 
  af 1. marts 2006 ApS, DK 

  Bilskadeinstituttet AS, Norway 

  Edsvåg Fabrikker AS, Norway 

0 

4 

40 

0 

0 

5 

0 

4 

35 

0 

1 

17 

0 

0 

5 

50

30

28

  An individual estimate of the degree of influence under the contracts is made. 

122 of 152

l Notes l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DKKm   

2007 

2008

  17  Other financial investment assets 

  Financial assets at fair value with value adjustment in the income statement, cf. IAS 39 
  Total receivables 

  financial assets at fair value with value adjustment in the income statement 
  Trading porfolio: 
  Bonds 
  Consisting of: 

   Cash allocated to portfolio management 
   Unsettled securities trading 
   Deposits, derivatives 

  Shares 
  Cash in hand, deposits and other investment assets 

35,844 
2,555 

38,399 

30,294 

-246 
1,063 
-302 

30,809 
4,445 
609 

30,754
1,689

32,443

29,417

-71
-101
-388

28,857
1,239
672

  Total other financial investment assets,  
  cash and investments in associates in accordance with the balance sheet 

35,863 

30,768

  The bond and share portfolio includes unit trusts in which the underlying assets are bonds and shares. 

In addition, the amounts include liquid assets allocated to the portfolio manager, money 

  market deposits and debt and receivables from unsettled investment transactions.

  Bond portfolio 

  Duration 1 year or less 
  Duration 1 year through 5 years 
  Duration 5 years through 10 years 
  Duration more than 10 years 

  Total 

Adjusted duration of bond portfolio
2008

2007 

12,112 
15,293 
3,386 
18 

30,809 

17,990
8,535
2,316
16

28,857

  The bond portfolio includes unit trusts in which the underlying assets are bonds. 

  The option adjusted duration is used to measure duration. The option adjustment relates primarily 
to Danish mortgage bonds and reflects the expected duration-shortening effect of the borrower’s 
  option to cause the bond to be redeemed through the mortgage institution at any point in time. 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Notes l 123 of 152

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts

Notes

DKKm   

  17  Maturity of the Group’s interest-bearing financial assets and debt

  2008 

Total 

0-1 year 

1-5 years 

> 5 years 

  Bonds 
  Cash in hand and at bank 
  Debt 
  Receivables 

28,857 
672 
-1,811 
1,689 

29,407 

5,989 
672 
-111 
1,689 

8,239 

11,473 
0 
-598 
0 

11,395 
0 
-1,102 
0 

10,875 

10,293 

  2008 

Total 

0-1 year 

1-5 years 

> 5 years 

  Bonds 
  Cash in hand and at bank 
  Debt 
  Receivables 

30,809 
601 
-1,700 
2,555 

32,265 

5,257 
601 
-2 
2,555 

8,411 

18,326 
0 
-597 
0 

17,729 

7,226 
0 
-1,101 
0 

6,125 

Effective 
interest rate 

Adjusted 
duration 

4.4 
4.4 
4.6 
- 

1.7
0.0
0.0
-

Effective 
interest rate 

Adjusted 
duration 

5.3 
4.2 
4.5 
- 

1.9
0,0
0,0
-

  The duration of interest-bearing debt is stated at zero as such debt is measured at amortised cost and is not subject to value adjustment. 

 The note should be seen in connection with the expected cash flow from the Group’s provisions for unearned premiums and provisions for 
claims, see note 22. Please refer to the section on ’Interest risk’ in ’Risk management’ in the ’Management’s report’. 

  Listed shares 
  Scandinavia 
  United Kingdom 
  Rest of Europe 
  United States 
  Asien etc. 

  Total 

  The portfolio of unlisted shares totals 

  Sold futures on shares are recognised in the amount at DKK -67m.  
  Unlisted equity investments are measured at estimated fair value, see ’Accounting policies’. 

2007 

975 
718 
1,160 
828 
527 

4,208 

237 

2008

195
103
298
244
152

992

180

  Exposure to exchange 

rate risk 2008 

Properties 

  USD 
  EUR 
  GBP 
  NOK 
  Other 

  Total 

0 
0 
0 
649 
0 

Bonds 

21 
723 
1 
10,113 
0 

Shares 

Insurance 

hedge 

Exposure

270 
337 
94 
170 
294 

-232 
-1,117 
3 
-8,616 
-13 

-73 
73 
-93 
-2,396 
-269 

14
15
4
81
52

166

  Exposure to exchange 

rate risk 2007 

Properties 

Bonds 

Shares 

Insurance 

hedge 

Exposure

  USD 
  EUR 
  GBP 
  NOK 
  Other 

  Total 

0 
0 
0 
786 
0 

1,116 
2,018 
472 
8,352 
4 

688 
1,308 
570 
1,007 
642 

-251 
-1,136 
-1 
-5,756 
-9 

-1,535 
-2,101 
-983 
-4,256 
-619 

18
89
58
133
18

316

  Please refer to the section on Market risk Risk management in the Management’s report. 

124 of 152

l Notes l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23
-57
-141
-315
-4
-219

Net  
27
0
-41
311

297
0

Net  
-110
615

505

DKKm   

2007 

2008

  17  Sensitivity information

Impact on shareholders’ equity from the following changes: 
Interest rate increase of 0.7-1.0 pct. point 
Interest rate fall of 0.7-1.0 pct. point 

  Equity price fall of 12% 
  Fall in property prices of 8% 
  Exchange rate risk (VaR 99.5) 
Loss on counterparties of 8% 

2 
-27 
-533 
-214 
-8 
-220 

 The impact on the income statement is similar to the impact on shareholders’ equity. The calculation is  
made in accordance with the disclosure requirements of the executive order issued by the Danish FSA  
on the presentation of financial reports by insurance companies and profession-specific pension funds.  
Please refer to the section on ‘Risk management’ for an elaboration of risk management and risk exposure.   

 Derivative financial instruments 

  2007 

  2008

  Derivatives with value adjustment in the income statement according to IAS 39: 
  Fair value: 

Gross 
3,659 
0 
681 
9,494 

13,153 
681 

Net 
-7 
0 
26 
205 

224 
0 

Gross 
3,124 
67 
3,618 
5,253 

8,444 
3,618 

Gains 
144 
615 

759 

 Losses  
-254 
0 

-254 

Interest derivatives 

  Share derivatives 

Inflation derivatives 

  Exchange rate derivatives 

  Due within one year 
  Due after more than five years 

  Derivative financial instruments used in connection with  
  hedging of foreign entities for accounting purposes: 
  Gains and losses on hedges charged to equity at 1 January 
  Gains and losses on hedges charged to equity in the period 

  Gains and losses on hedges charged to equity at 31 December 

  Exchange rate adjustment
  Exchange rate adjustments of foreign entities recognised in equity in the amount of: 
  Balance at 1 January 
  Exchange rate adjustment during the year 
  Exchange rate adjustment during the year recognised in profit and loss 

  Balance at 31 December 

  Receivables 
  Receivables from insurance enterprises 
  Exchange rate and inflation derivatives 
  Unsettled transactions 
  Other receivables 

  Specification of writedowns on receivables from insurance enterprises 
  Balance at 1 January 
  Exchange rate adjustment 
  Writedowns and reversed writedowns for the year 

  Balance at 31 December 

2007 

2008

-9 
120 
-36 

75 

1,410 
190 
794 
161 

2,555 

129 
0 
-23 

106 

75
-585
0

-510

1,088
383
136
82

1,689

106
-8
22

120

  Reversed impairment losses are estimated at around DKK 20-30m annually, but may vary due to major cases/disputes. 
  Please refer to the section on ‘Credit risk’ in ‘Risk management’ in the ‘Management’s report.’ 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Notes l 125 of 152

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
2007 

2008

336 
152 

488 

106 

1,609 
-22 

1,587 

186 
8 
746 
-24 
-673 

243 

93 
336 

243 

259
117

376

120

1,051
-15

1,036

243
-66
434
154
-628

137

111
248

137

Accounts

Notes

DKKm   

  17  Receivables

  Receivables in connection with insurance include overdue receivables totalling: 
  Falling due: 
  Within 90 days 
  After 90 days 

Including writedowns of due amounts 

  18  Reinsurers’ share 

  Reinsurer’s share 
  Writedowns after impairment test 

  Writedowns during the year include reversed writedowns totalling DKK 7m (in 2007 DKK 12m). 
  Please refer to the section on ‘Reinsurance’ in ‘Risk management’ in the ‘Management’s report’. 

  19  Current tax 

  Current tax, beginning of year 
  Exchange rate adjustment 
  Current tax for the year 
  Current tax on equity entries 
  Tax paid during the year  

  Net current tax, end of year  

  Current tax is recognised in the balance sheet as follows: 
  Under assets, current tax 
  Under liabilities, current tax 

  Net current tax, end of year 

  20  Shareholders’ equity 

  Share capital 

Issued shares 

  Balance at 1 January 
  Bought during the year 
  Sold during the year 

  Balance at 31 December 

2007 

2008

No. of  
shares 

Nominal 
value 
(DKK’000) 

No. of 
shares 

67,790,001 
-221,200 
69,677 

1,694,750 
-5,530 
1,742 

67,638,478 
-3,346,610 
85,815 

Nominal 
value
(DKK’000)

1,690,962
-83,665
2,145

67,638,478 

1,690,962 

64,377,683 

1,609,442

  Tresury shares 

  Balance at 1 January 
  Bought during the year 
  Used in connection with issue  
  of employee shares 

  Balance at 31 December 

2007 

Nominal 
value 
(DKK’000) 

5,250 
5,530 

-1,742 

9,038 

No. of 
shares 

209,999 
221,200 

-69,677 

361,522 

% of share 
capital 

No. of 
shares 

0.30 
0.33 

361,522 
3,346,610 

-0.10 

-85,815 

0.53 

3,622,317 

2008

Nominal 
value 
(DKK’000) 

9,038 
83,665 

-2,145 

90,558 

% of share
capital

0.53
4.92

-0.13

5.32

 Pursuant to the authorisation granted by the shareholders in general meeting, TrygVesta may acquire up to a maximum of nom. DKK 
170m worth of treasury shares, corresponding to 10.0% of the share capital in the period until the next annual general meeting in 2009. 
In 2008, Tryg Vesta acquired treasury shares worth nom. DKK 83,665k, corresponding to 3,346,610 shares at a total cost of DKK 1,197m. 
Treasury shares are acquired for use in the Group’s incentive programme and as part of the share buy back programme. TrygVesta’s share 
buy back programme was launched after the annual general meeting held on 3 April 2008. Until 31 December 2008, shares worth DKK 
1,053m had been bought back, corresponding to 75% of the total share buy back programme. 

126 of 152

l Notes l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DKKm   

  20  Capital adequacy 

  Shareholders’ equity according to annual report 
  Subordinate loan capital 
  Proposed dividend 
  Solvency requirements to subsidiary undertakings 

  Capital base 

  Weighted assets 

  Solvency ratio 

2007 

2008

10,010 
637 
-1,156 
-3,824 

5,667 

7,030 

81 

8,244
685
-423
-4,601

3,905

3,924

100

  The capital base and the solvency ratio are calculated in accordance with the Danish Financial Business Act.   
  TrygVesta manages its capital requirement as described in “Capitalisation” in the Management’s report’ 

  21  Subordinated loan capital 

 In December 2005, TrygVesta Forsikring A/S raised a subordinate bond loan for EUR 150m at  
the price of 99,017. The loan carries a fixed rate of interst at 4.5% p.a. until 2015, when 
 it can be repaid. After that time, it will carry interest at 2.1% above EURIBOR until it expires 
 in 2025. The loan is measured at amortised cost, and when the loan was raised capital losses  
and costs were deducted, amounting to DKK 16m at the balance sheet date. The fair value of the loan  
at the balance sheet date is DKK 908m (in 2007 DKK 1,041m) based on a price of 81.23  
(in 2007 a price of 93.12). The price is sourced from Bloomberg, which applies a group  
of market players as its data sources.

 The loan is an interest-only loan, and the lender has no option to call the loan or otherwise terminate  
the loan agreement with TrygVesta Forsikring A/S. The loan is automatically accelerated upon  
the liquidation or bankruptcy of TrygVesta Forsikring A/S. The share of subordinated capital included  
in the calculation of the capital base amounts to DKK 685m (in 2007 a total of DKK 637m). 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Notes l 127 of 152

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts

Notes

DKKm

  22  Provisions for claims

  Gross 

2000 

2001 

2002 

2003 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

  Estimated accumulated claims 0 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 

  Cumulative payments to date   
  Discounting 
  Reserves from 1999 and prior years 
  Other reserves 
  Gross provisions for claims, end of year 

7,825 
8,132 
8,332 
8,527 
8,613 
8,728 
8,480 
8,601 
8,587 
8,587 
-8,003 
-116 

8,341 
8,557 
8,721 
8,822 
8,770 
8,764 
8,967 
8,947 

10,257 
10,526 
10,544 
10,601 
10,599 
10,503 
10,481 

9,745 
9,853 
9,562 
9,550 
9,596 
9,575 

10,114 
10,150 
10,022 
9,913 
9,653 

10,840 
10,729 
10,593 
10,225 

10,613 
10,875 
10,422 

11,529 
12,093 

12,046 

8,947 
-8,094 
-164 

10,481 
-9,348 
-201 

9,575 
-8,180 
-246 

9,653 
-8,006 
-268 

10,225 
-8,316 
-288 

10,422 
-7,911 
-359 

12,093 
-8,541 
-462 

12,046 
-5,745 
-625 

  Ceded business 

2000 

2001 

2002 

2003 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

  Estimated accumulated claims 0 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 

  Cumulative payments to date   
  Discounting 
  Reserves from 1999 and prior years 
  Other reserves 
  Provisions for claims, end of year 

1,258 
1,351 
1,328 
1,350 
1,379 
1,374 
1,371 
1,379 
1,382 
1,382 
-1,335 
-5 

1,239 
1,259 
1,261 
1,273 
1,252 
1,240 
1,246 
1,230 

1,804 
1,883 
1,786 
1,781 
1,780 
1,789 
1,793 

790 
762 
760 
807 
739 
735 

725 
740 
777 
776 
763 

912 
807 
813 
808 

269 
270 
257 

497 
463 

158 

1,230 
-1,207 
-7 

1,793 
-1,590 
-23 

735 
-675 
-10 

763 
-657 
-21 

808 
-751 
-10 

257 
-230 
-4 

463 
-419 
-2 

158 
-44 
-5 

  Net of reinsurance 

2000 

2001 

2002 

2003 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

92,029
-72,144
-2,729
2,115
444
19,715

7,589
-6,908
-87
200
66
860

  Estimated accumulated claims 0 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 

6,567 
6,781 
7,004 
7,177 
7,234 
7,354 
7,109 
7,222 
7,205 
7,205 
-6,668 
-111 

7,102 
7,298 
7,460 
7,549 
7,518 
7,524 
7,721 
7,717 

8,453 
8,643 
8,758 
8,820 
8,819 
8,714 
8,688 

8,955 
9,091 
8,802 
8,743 
8,857 
8,840 

9,389 
9,410 
9,245 
9,137 
8,890 

9,928 
9,922 
9,780 
9,417 

10,344 
10,605 
10,165 

11,032 
11,630 

11,888 

  Cumulative payments to date   
  Discounting 
  Reserves from 1999 and prior years 
  Other reserves 
  Provisions for claims, net of reinsurance, end of the year 

7,717 
-6,887 
-157 

8,688 
-7,758 
-178 

8,840 
-7,505 
-236 

8,890 
-7,349 
-247 

9,417 
-7,565 
-278 

10,165 
-7,681 
-355 

11,630 
-8,122 
-460 

-620 

11,888 
84,440
-5,701  -65,236
-2,642
1,915
378
18,855 

 The table consists of figures for TrygVesta Forsikring A/S and TrygVesta Forsikring, Norwegian branch of TrygVesta Forsikring A/S. Other 
Group units are included in the item “Other reserves”, which comprises the provisions for claims for TrygVesta Garantiforsikring A/S and 
the Finnish and Swedish business units. 

 The amounts in foreign currency in the table are translated to Danish kroner using the exchange rate at 31 December to prevent the im-
pact of exchange rate fluctuation. 

128 of 152

l Notes l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DKKm

  22 

  Provisions for claims 
The accident-year 2000 is influenced by Chevanstell, which at that time operated under the name TBi UK in the London market. The im-
pact derives from the stop-loss agreement between TrygVesta Forsikring A/S and Chevanstell Ltd. in 2000 to cover business written before 
2000, and which was terminated after the divestment of Chevanstell. Until 2005, there was an increase in claims incurred, and in 2006 
the final settelment had a positive impact. 

 The inclusion of the Zurich portfolio acquired in 2002 and, to a minor extent, the Norwegian Allianz portfolio acquired in 2001, has an im-
pact on the figures. When the liabilities of these portfolios appear in the triangulation the ultimate liability for the preceding accident years 
is increased with effect from the financial year in question, whereas already existing liabilities concerning previous financial years remain 
unchanged. The combined impact of the two acquisitions amounts to DKK 210m gross and DKK 200m net of reinsurance. 

 After the introduction of variable interest rate discounting of Danish Worker’s Compensation annuities, inflation explicitly influences claims 
from 2007 onwards.  In previous calender years the inflation element is partially offset by the use of discounting with a real rate of inte-
rest. Hence undiscounted claims amounts are adversely  affected in 2007 by a total of DKK 1,271m. 

  Provisions for claims 

  Total, beginning of period 
  Market value adjustment of provisions, beginning of period 

  Paid in the financial year in respect of the current year 
  Paid in the financial year in respect of prior years   

  Change in claims in the financial year in respect of the current year  
  Change in claims in the financial year in respect of prior years 

  Discounting 3) 

  Provisions for claims, end of year 1) 
  Other 2) 

  Provisions for claims 

  Total, beginning of period 
  Market value adjustment of provisions, beginning of period 

  Paid in the financial year in respect of the current year 
  Paid in the financial year in respect of prior years   

  Change in claims in the financial year in respect of the current year  
  Change in claims in the financial year in respect of prior years 

  Discounting 3) 

  Provisions for claims, end of year 1) 
  Other 2) 

Gross 

20,761 
-1,619 

19,142 

-5,745 
-5,904 

-11,649 

11,178 
-787 

10,391 

1,387 

19,271 
444 

19,715 

Gross 

20,068 
276 

20,344 

5,786 
-5,343 

-11,129 

11,680 
-740 

10,940 

606 

20,761 
343 

21,104 

 2008
Ceded 

1,366 
-171 

1,195 

-44 
-515 

-559 

145 
-55 

90 

68 

794 
66 

860 

 2007
Ceded 

1,312 
38 

1,350 

-139 
-348 

-487 

504 
-11 

493 

10 

1,366 
62 

1,428 

Net

19,395
-1,448

17,947

-5,701
-5,389

-11,090

11,033
-732

10,301

1,319

18,477
378

18,855

Net

18,756
238

18,994

-5,647
-4,995

-10,642

11,176
-729

10,447

596

19,395
281

19,676

1)  The table consists of figures for TrygVesta Forsikring A/S and TrygVesta Forsikring, Norwegian branch of TrygVesta Forsikring A/S.  

Other units in the Group are included in ‘Other’   

2) Comprises provisions for claims for TrygVesta Garantiforsikring A/S and the Finnish and Swedish business units. 
3)  Discounting also includes exchange rate adjustments. 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Notes l 129 of 152

 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts

Notes

DKKm

  22  Provisions for claims

  2008 

  Provisions for unearned premiums, gross 
  Provisions for unearned premiums, ceded 
  Provisions for claims, gross 
  Provisions for claims, ceded 

  2007 

  Provisions for unearned premiums, gross 
  Provisions for unearned premiums, ceded 
  Provisions for claims, gross 
  Provisions for claims, ceded 

          Carrying amount 
Total 

0-1 years 

Expected cash flow
2-3 years 

1-2 years 

> 3 years

4,946 
-172 
19,271 
-794 

4,763 
-172 
7,182 
-244 

23,251 

11,529 

66 
0 
3,397 
-126 

3,337 

39 
0 
2,202 
-88 

2,153 

78
0
6,490
-336

6,232

          Carrying amount 
Total 

0-1 years 

Expected cash flow
2-3 years 

1-2 years 

> 3 years

5,303 
-158 
20,761 
-1,366 

5,100 
-158 
7,906 
-534 

24,540 

12,314 

68 
0 
3,644 
-196 

3,516 

41 
0 
2,380 
-137 

2,284 

94
0
6,831
-499

6,426

  The table consists of figures for TrygVesta Forsikring A/S and TrygVesta Forsikring, Norwegian branch of TrygVesta Forsikring A/S. 

 The note should be seen in connection with the maturity of the Group’s interest-bearing financial assets and liabilities, see note 17. 
Please refer to the section on ’Risk management’ for an elaboration of risk management and risk exposure. 

130 of 152

l Notes l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
DKK m   

2007 

2008

  23  Pensions and similar obligations

Jubilees, shemes for older employees etc. 

  Recognised obligation, end of year 

  Defined benefit pension plans 

  Present value of pension obligations funded through operations 
  Present value of pension obligations funded through establishment of funds 

  Gross pension obligation 
  Fair value of plan assets 

  Net pension obligation 

  Specification of change in recognised pension obligations: 
  Recognised pension obligation, beginning of year 
  Exchange rate adjustment 
  Present value of amounts accumulated during the year 
  Capital costs of previously accumulated pensions 
  Actuarial gains/losses 
  Paid during the period 
  Change in recognised employers’ nat. ins. contribution 
  Effect associated with optional shift to contribution pension plan 

  Recognised pension obligation, end of year 

  Change in carrying amount of plan assets: 
  Carrying amount of plan assets, beginning of year 
  Exchange rate adjustment 
Investments in the year 

  Estimated return on pension funds 
  Actuarial gains/losses 
  Paid during the period 
  Effect associated with optional shift to contribution pension plan 

  Carrying amount of plan assets, end of year 

  Total pensions and similar obligations, end of year 

  Total recognised obligation, end of year 

  Specification of pension costs for the year: 
  Present value of amounts accumulated during the year 

Interest expense on accrued pension obligation 

  Expected return on plan assets 
  Accrued employers’ nat. insurance contribution 
  Effect associated with optional shift to contribution pension plan 

  The year’s cost of defied benefit plans 

  The premium for the following financial year is estimated at: 

  Estimated distribution of plan assets: 
  Shares 
  Bonds 
  Real property 

  Average return on plan assets 

43 

43 

129 
1,163 

1,292 
932 

360 

1,298 
43 
60 
56 
-105 
-46 
2 
-16 

1,292 

825 
27 
87 
43 
-9 
-32 
-9 

932 

360 

403 

60 
56 
-43 
10 
-7 

76 

103 

% 
18 
66 
16 

8.2 

28

28

120
1,003

1,123
628

495

1,292
-246
56
49
23
-51
0
0

1,123

932
-177
31
44
-173
-29
0

628

495

523

58
62
-56
9
0

73

53

%
13
64
23

-1.7

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Notes l 131 of 152

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts

Notes

  23  Pensions and similar obligations

  Assumptions used 
  Discount rate 
  Estimated return on pension funds 
  Salary adjustment 
  Pension adjustment 
  G Adjustment 
  Turnover 
  Employers’ nat. ins. contribution 
  Take up of the AFP Early Retirement Plan 
  Mortality table 

2007 

2008

% 
5.2 
6.2 
4.5 
4.3 
4.3 
7.0 
14.1 
20.0 
Adjusted K1963 

%
4.0
6.0
4.0
3.8
3.8
7.0
14.1
20.0
Adjusted K2005

DKKm   

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008

  Pension obligation 
  Plan assets 
  Surplus/deficit 

  Actuarial gains/losses associated with the pension obligation 
  Actuarial gains/losses associated with pension assets 

1,362 
727 
635 

-136 
18 

1,298 
825 
473 

90 
26 

1,292 
932 
360 

104 
-10 

1,123
628
495

-23
-173

 The pension liability related to participation by the Norwegian member of the Group Executive Management in the Norwegian defined 
benefit pension plan is DKK 2.2m 31. december 2008. 

 The Group’s Swedish branch complies with the industry pension agreement, the FTP plan, which is insured with Försäkringsbranschens 
Pensionskassa - FPK. Under the terms of the agreement, the Group’s Swedish branch has undertaken, along with the other businesses in 
the collaboration, to pay the pensions of the individual employees in accordance with the applicable rules. 

 The FTP plan is primarily a defined benefit plan in terms of the future pension benefits. FPK is unable to provide sufficient information for 
the Group to use defined benefit accounting. For this reason, the Group has accounted for the plan as if it were a defined contribution 
plan in accordance with IAS 19.30.

 The premium paid to FPK in 2008 amounted to DKK 1m, which is less than 1% of the annual premium in FPK (2007). FPK writes in its 
half-year report for 2008 that it had a collective consolidation ratio of 119 at 30 June 2008 (131 at 30 June 2007). The collective consoli-
dation ratio is defined as the market value of the plan assets relative to the total collective pension obligations. 

132 of 152

l Notes l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
DKKm   

2007 

2008

  24  Deferred tax 
  Tax asset 
  Operating equipment 
  Debt and provisions 
  Bonds and loans secured by mortgages 

  Tax liability 

Land and buildings 
  Contingency funds 
  Debt and provisions 

Intellectual property rights 

  Deferred tax, end of year 

  Unaccrued assets or liabiliaties of equity investments 
  Unaccrued assets or liabiliaties of balance sheets items 

  Reconciliation of deferred tax 
  Deferred tax, beginning of year 
  Exchange rate adjustment 
  Change in deferred tax beginning of year 
  Change in tax rate in Denmark 
  Change in deferred tax taken to the income statement 
  Change in deferred tax taken to equity 

  Non-capitalised tax loss 
  Denmark 
  Sweden 
  Finland 

  The loss in TrygVesta A/S cannot be utilised in the Danish joint taxation scheme. 
  The loss can be carried forward indefinitely. 

 Under Finnish rules, losses may be carried forward for ten years and under Swedish rules,  
losses may be carried forward indefinitely. 

 The total current and deferred tax relating to items recognised in equity is recognised in  
the balance sheet in the amount of DKK 101m (in 2007 DKK -4m). 

  No deferred tax is associated with investments in subsidiaries (in 2007 DKK 0m). 

84 
0 
84 

168 

157 
1,021 
35 
64 

1,277 

1,109 

102 
6 

959 
27 
0 
-20 
119 
24 

1,109 

72 
105 
142 

65
133
0

198

157
890
0
100

1,147

949

126
1

1,109
-164
-51
0
122
-67

949

72
188
189

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Notes l 133 of 152

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts

Notes

DKKm   

  25  Other provisions 

  Other provisions, beginning of year 
  Exchange rate adjustment 
  Change in provisions 

  Other provisions, end of year 

  Other provisions primarily include provisions for own insurance contracts 

  26  Debt to credit institutions 

  Bank loans 
  Bank overdrafts 

  Debt falling due within one year 
  Debt falling due after more than five years 

 In 2005, a consortium of banks granted TrygVesta A/S a loan facility for DKK 2,000m, of which DKK 
600m had been utilised at 31 December 2008. In 2008, the loan carried interest at CIBOR plus a 
margin, totalling approximately 5.3% p.a. The unutilised part of the loan facility is measured at am-
ortised cost, and an amount of DKK 5m was deducted from the loan proceeds upon signing the loan 
agreement. The cost is depreciated on a straight-line basis until the loan facility expires in July 2010. 
The fair value of the loan is considered to be the utilised part of the facility of DKK 600m.

  27   Other debt 

  Unsettled transactions 
Interest derivatives 

  Exchange and inflation rate derivatives 
  Other debt 

  Debt falling due within one year 

  28   Earnings per share 

2007 

2008

50 
0 
7 

57 

597 
2 

599 

2 
0 

1,857 
8 
0 
732 

2,597 

2,597 

57
-10
-11

36

598
111

709

111
0

66
0
31
774

871

871

 Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing the profit for the year and the profit/loss from  
discontinued and divested activities by the total average number of shares. The company has not 
issued warrants, convertible debt instruments or the like. The issued share options will not be  
exercised before 2009, therefore, there is no difference between basic EPS and diluted EPS as per 31 
December 2008. During a two-year period commencing at the end of February 2009 180,780 share 
options from the 2006 share option programmes are exercisable. This could potentially dilute the 
earnings per share.

  Profit/loss for the period from continuing business (DKKm) 
  Average number of shares (1,000 shares) 
  Basic earnings per share of DKK 25 

2,267 
67,648 
33.5 

846
66,184
12.8

134 of 152

l Notes l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DKKm   

  29   Contractual obligations, contingent liabilities and collateral

  2008 

< 1 years 

1-3 years 

3-5 years 

> 5 years 

Total

Payment due by period

  Operating leases 
  Other contractual obligations 

65 
375 

440 

68 
55 

123 

10 
45 

55 

9 
0 

9 

Payment due by period

  2007 

< 1 years 

1-3 years 

3-5 years 

> 5 years 

  Operating leases 
  Other contractual obligations 

108 
348 

456 

213 
314 

527 

187 
0 

187 

1,260 
0 

1,260 

152
475

627

Total

1,768
662

2,430

  The amounts include the following: 

 TrygVesta Forsikring A/S has on 1 february 2008 signed an operating agreement with CSC for an amount of DKK 1bn for a period of  
5 years which cannot be cancelled the next 2 years. 

  TrygVesta Forsikring A/S has signed a portfolio management contract for DKK 126m. The contract expires in 2013. 
  TrygVesta Forsikring A/S has signed a car leasing contract with NF Fleet for DKK 37m. The contract expires in 2013. 
  TrygVesta Forsikring A/S has signed on IT leasing contract with IBM for DKK 27m. The contract expires in 2011. 

  The Danish companies in TrygVesta Group are jointly taxed with TryghedsGruppen smba. 

  Assets to cover the technical provisions have been registered in a total amount of 

2007 

33,746 

2008

29,690

 Most of the Danish companies in TrygVesta Group are jointly registered for VAT and payroll tax and are jointly and severally liable for 
payment of all such direct and indirect taxes. 

 In connection with the sale of Chevanstell Limited, TrygVesta Forsikring A/S issued a few specific guarantees to the buyer.  
Management believes that it is unlikely that these guarantees will result in a financial loss for TrygVesta Forsikring A/S.  

 Companies of the TrygVesta Forsikring Group are part of certain disputes. Management believes that the outcome of these legal  
proceedings will not affect the Group’s financial position beyond those receivables and obligations recognised in the balance sheet. 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Notes l 135 of 152

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Accounts

Notes

DKKm   

2007 

2008

  30   Acquisition of subsidiary 

 On 8 May 2008, TrygVesta Forsikring A/S acquired all the voting shares (nominally DKK 1m) of Ejendomsselskabet af 8. maj 2008 A/S 
through a cash payment of DKK 1,085.5m to Danica Pension. The sole activity of Ejendomsselskabet af 8. maj 2008 A/S is the ownership 
of TrygVesta’s Ballerup headquarters. Costs for advisors in connection with the preparation, conclusion and performance of the agreement 
was DKK 0.2m. 

  Acquired net assets 

  Owner-occupied property 
  Cash in hand and at bank 

  Cost 

Carrying amount 
prior to 
acquisition 

1,085.0 
0.5 

1,085.5 

fair value
at date of
acquisition

1,085.0
0.5

1,085.5

 There have not been any adjustment to the fair value, which is therefore identical to the carrying amount are therefore the same. There is 
no difference between cost and the fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities. 

The acquisition of Ejendomsselskabet af 8. maj 2008 A/S replaces the existing lease with Danica from 1995, which would expire in 2025. 
The purchase enhances the framework for modernising and refurbishing workplaces. 
See the section ‘Our employees’ for further details.’

  Ejendomsselskabet af 8. maj 2008 A/S 
  Amounts relating to the period since the acquisition on 8 May 2008 

  Rental income 
  Profit/loss after tax 
Impact on equity 

2008

45.9 
8.6
8.6

 See ‘Owner-occupied property and operating equipment’ in note 1 ‘Accounting policies’ for a more elaborate description of the valuation 
method used. 

 A pro forma statement of TrygVesta Group’s profit/loss for 2008 as if Ejendomsselskabet af 8. maj 2008 had been acquried as per 1 Janu-
ary 2008 would not be significantly different from the Group’s realised profit/loss for 2008. The Group’s gross premiums earned would 
not be affected. 

 Management estimates that the fair value at 1 January 2008 would have been the same as the fair value at the date of acquisition. 

  The TrygVesta Group did not make any acquisitions in 2007. 

  31   Related parties

  Supervisory Board and Executive Management
  Premium income 

- Parent company (TryghedsGruppen smba) 
- Key management 
- Other related parties 

  Claims paid

- Parent company (TryghedsGruppen smba) 
- Key management 
- Other related parties 

  Guarantee agreements with related parties

- Account 
- Utilised, end of year 
- Premium 

0.2 
0.4 
17.3 

0.2 
0.3 
43.6 

1,950 
885 
3 

0.3
0.4
115.3

0.0
0.2
9.6

1,200
726
3

 Outstanding guarantees cover the policyholders’ financial obligations pursuant to the contract. Following an individual assessment,  
all guarantees are issued without additional security. The company has full recourse against the individual companies. No provisions have 
been made for non-performing guarantees and no expenses were incurred during the financial year.

  Guarantee agreements are made on market terms.

136 of 152

l Notes l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DKKm   

2007 

2008

  31   Leases with related parties 

 Transactions with related parties also comprise rental income as premises are being let to a member of the Board on market terms. 

  Specification of remuneration
  Supervisoy Board 
  Executive Management 

  Remuneration includes pension contributions
  Supervisory Board 
  Executive Management 

-4 
-16 

-20 

0 
-3 

-3 

-4
-19

-23

0
-3

-3

 Members of the Supervisory Board of TrygVesta A/S do not receive bonuses and are not participants in any severance plans. The Executive Manage-
ment has a bonus scheme for up to 3 months’ salary (Group CEO up to 4 months’ salary) and participate ind the share option programme as men-
tioned in Corporate governance. Other than that, there are no incentive plans for the Supervisory Board and Executive Management. 

 If a member of the Executive Management is given notice of termination by TrygVesta and such termination is not due to breach on the part of the 
member of the Executive Management, such member is entitled to cash severance pay equal to 12 to 18 months’ fixed salary inclusive of pension 
contribution and taxed benefits. Severance pay is paid at expiry of the period of notice. Members of the Executive Management can raise no fur-
ther claims in this respect, including claims for compensation pursuant to sections 2a and/or 2b of the Salaried Employees Act, as such claims are 
included in the severance pay. 

  Parent company 
  TryghedsGruppen smba 
  TryghedsGruppen smba controls 60% of the shares in TrygVesta A/S. 

Intra-group trading involved 
- Providing and receiving services 
- Sale of unlisted shares 

Insurance products are purchased and sold on market terms 

  Assets are transferred on market terms 

Intra-group trading 

  Administration fee, etc. is fixed on a cost-recovery basis. 

Intra-group accounts are offset and carry interest on market terms. 

0 
15 

1
0

  The TrygVesta companies have entered into reinsurance contracts on market terms. 

  Transactions with subsidiaries have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements in accordance with the accounting policies. 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Notes l 137 of 152

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Accounts

Income statement – TrygVesta A/S (parent company)

DKKm   

2007 

2008

Notes 
2  

Investment activities 
Income from subsidiaries 
Interest income 
  Value adjustment 
Interest expenses 
Investment management charges 

  Total return on investment activities 

3   Other expenses 

  Profit before tax 

4   Tax 

  Profit on continuing business 

5   Profit/loss on discontinued and divested business 

  Profit for the year 

  Proposed distribution for the year: 
  Dividend 
  Transferred to Reserve for net revaluation as per equity method 
  Transferred to Retained profits 

2,396 
0 
-1 
-30 
-4 

2,361 

-48 

2,313 

21 

2,334 

-1 

2,333 

1,156 
79 
1,098 

2,333 

757
22
0
-32
-6

741

-56

685

18

703

0

703

423
-2,007
2,287

703

138 of 152

l Income statement for TrygVesta A/S (parent company) l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance sheet – TrygVesta A/S (parent company)

DKKm   

2007 

2008

 Notes  Assets 

6 

Investments in subsidiaries 

  Total investments in subsidiaries 

  Total investment assets 

  Receivables from subsidiaries 

  Total receivables 

7  Current tax assets 
8  Deferred tax assets 

  Cash in hand and at bank 

  Total other assets 

  Total prepayments and accrued income 

10,732 

10,732 

10,732 

0 

0 

21 
0 
1 

22 

7 

8,546

8,546

8,546

293

293

18
0
1

19

24

  Total assets 

10,761 

8,882

  Liabilities 
  Shareholders’ equity 

9  Debt to credit institutions 

  Debt to subsidiaries 
  Other debt 

  Total debt 

10,031 

8,265

599 
131 
0 

730 

602
0
15

617

  Total liabilities and equity 

10,761 

8,882

1   Accounting policies 

  10  Capital adequacy 
  11  Contractual obligations, contingent liabilities and collateral 
  12  Related parties 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Balance sheet for TrygVesta A/S (parent company) l

139 of 152

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts

Statement of changes in equity (parent company)

DKKm

  Shareholders’ equity at 31 December 2006 

1,700 

3,656 

2,374 

2,244 

Share 
capital 

Revaluation 
equity 
method 

Retained 
earnings 

Proposed 
dividends 

  Equity entries in 2007 
  Profit for the year 
  Revaluation of owner-occupied properties 
  Exchange rate adjustment of foreign entities 
  Hedge of foreign currency risk in foreign entities   
  Tax on equity entries 

  Total comprehensive income 

0 

79 
-3 
84 
-98 
27 

89 

  Dividend paid 
  Dividend own shares 
  Purchase of own shares 

Issue of employee shares 
Issue of share options 

1,098 

1,156 

1,098 

1,156 

-2,244 

14 
-96 
32 
8 

  Total equity entries in 2007 

0 

89 

1,056 

-1,088 

Total

9,974

2,333
-3
84
-98
27

2,343

-2,244
14
-96
32
8

57

  Shareholders’ equity at 31 December 2007 

1,700 

3,745 

3,430 

1,156 

10,031

  Equity entries in 2008 

  Profit for the year 
  Exchange rate adjustment of foreign entities 
  Hedge of foreign currency risk in foreign entities   
  Tax on equity entries 

  Total comprehensive income 

0 

-2,007 
-640 
615 
-154 

-2,186 

  Dividend paid 
  Dividend own shares 
  Purchase of own shares 

Issue of employee shares 
Issue of share options 

  Total equity entries in 2008 

0 

-2,186 

2,287 

423 

2,287 

423 

12 
-1,197 
37 
14 

1,153 

-1,156 

-733 

703
-640
615
-154

524

-1,156
12
-1,197
37
14

-1,766

  Shareholders’ equity at 31 December 2008 

1,700 

1,559 

4,583 

423 

8,265

  Proposed dividend per share DKK 6.50 (total for 2007 DKK 17 DKK). 

 Dividend per share is calculated as the total dividend proposed by the Supervisory Board after the end of the financial year divided by the 
number of shares year end (64,377,683). The dividend is not paid until approved by the shareholders at the annual general meeting of 
the subsequent year.  

 TrygVesta Forsikring A/S’ Norwegian branch has in its financial statements included provisions for contingency funds in the amount of 
NOK 2,743m (2007: NOK 2,564m). In TrygVesta Forsikring A/S, these provisions, due to their nature as additional provisions, are included 
in shareholders’ equity (retained earnings), net of deferred tax. TrygVesta Forsikring A/S’ option to pay dividend to TrygVesta A/S is influ-
enced by this amount. The dividend payment is also affected by a contingency fund provision of DKK 670m, which is included in sharehol-
ders’ equity in TrygVesta Forsikring A/S. TrygVesta Garantiforsikring has a similar contingency amounting to DKK 139m, which is also inclu-
ded in the company’s shareholders’ equity. 

140 of 152 l Statement of changes in equity (parent company) l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes (parent company)

DKKm   

2007 

2008

1  Accounting policies 

  Please refer to TrygVesta Group’s ’Accounting policies’. 

2  

Income from subsidiaries 

  TrygVesta Forsikring A/S 

  Profit on continuing business 
  Profit/loss on discontinued business after tax 

3   Other expenses 

  Administrative expenses 

2,396 

2,396 
-1 

2,395 

-48 

-48 

757

757
0

757

-56

-56

  Remuneration of the Executive Management is paid by TrygVesta Forsikring A/S and TrygVesta Forsikring, Norwegian branch of 
  TrygVesta Forsikring A/S and is charged to TrygVesta A/S by the cost allocation. 

  Remuneration for the Supervisory Board and the Executive Management is disposed in note 12 ‘Related parties’. 

  Average number of full-time employees during the year 

0 

0

	 Administrative	expenses	include	fee	to	the	auditors	appointed	
	 by	the	Annual	General	Meeting: 
  Deloitte  

In addition, expenses have been incurred for the Group’s Internal Audit Department. 

4  Tax

  Reconciliation of tax expenses 
  Tax on financial loss before profit/loss in subsidiaries and tax 

  Effective tax rate 
  Tax on financial loss 

  See ‘TrygVestas financial performance 2008 for further information regarding tax’ 

-0.9 

-0.9 

21 

21 

% 
25 

25 

-0.9

-0.9

18

18

%
25

25

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Notes (parent company) l

141 of 152

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts

Notes (parent company)

DKKm   

2007 

2008

5  Profit/loss on discontinued and divested business 

  Technical interest, net of reinsurance 
  Claims incurred, net of reinsurance 

Insurance operating expenses, net of reinsurance 

  Technical result 

Loss before tax 

  Profit/loss on discontinued and divested business 

6 

Investments in subsidiaries 

  Cost 
  Balance 1 January 

  Balance 31 December 

  Revaluations and impairment writedowns at net asset value 
  Balance 1 January 
  Revaluations during the year 
  Dividend paid 

  Balance 31 December 

  Carrying amount 31 December 

  Name and registered office 
  2008 

  TrygVesta Forsikring A/S, Ballerup 

  2007 

  TrygVesta Forsikring A/S, Ballerup 

7  Current tax assets 

  Tax payable, beginning of year 
  Current tax for the year 
  Tax paid during the year 

8  Deferred tax assets 

  Non-capitalised tax loss 
  TrygVesta A/S 

3 
-1 
-3 

-1 

-1 

-1 

6,987 

6,987 

3,656 
2,407 
-2,318 

3,745 

10,732 

Ownership shares in % 

100 

100 

3 
21 
-3 

21 

72 

3
-1
-2

0

0

0

6,987

6,987

3,745
575
-2,761

1,559

8,546

Equity

8,546

10,732

21
18
-21

18

72

  The loss in TrygVesta A/S can only be utilised in TrygVesta A/S. 
  The loss can be carried forward indefinitely. 

  The losses are not recognised as tax assets until it has been substantiated that the company can generate 

sufficient future taxable income to utilise the tax loss. 

142 of 152 l Notes (parent company) l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DKKm   

2007 

2008

9  Debt to credit institutions 

  Bank loans 
  Overdraft facility 

 In 2005, a consortium of banks granted TrygVesta A/S a loan facility for DKK 2,000m, of which DKK 
600m had been utilised at 31 December 2008. In 2008, the loan carried interest at CIBOR plus a 
margin, totalling approximately 5.3% p.a. The unutilised part of the loan facility is measured at am-
ortised cost, and an amount of DKK 5m was deducted from the loan proceeds upon signing the loan 
agreement. The cost is depreciated on a straight-line basis until the loan facility expires in July 2010. 
The fair value of the loan is considered to be the utilised part of the facility of DKK 600m. 

  10  Capital adequacy 

  Shareholders’ equity according to annual report 
  Subordinate loan capital 
  Proposed dividend 
  Solvency requirements to subsidiary undertakings 

  Capital base 

  Weighted items 

  Solvency ratio 

597 
2 

599 

598
4

602

10,031 
637 
-1,156 
-3,824 

5,688 

7,051 

81 

8,265
685
-423
-4,601

3,926

3,945

100

  11  Contractual obligations, contingent liabilities and collateral 

  The Danish companies in TrygVesta Group are jointly taxed with TryghedsGruppen smba.

 Most of the Danish companies in TrygVesta Group are jointly registered for VAT and payroll tax and 
are jointly and severally liable for payment of all such direct and indirect taxes.

 Companies of the TrygVesta Group are part of certain disputes the outcome of which is not esti-
mated to affect the financial position of the Group. Management believes that the outcome of these 
legal proceedings will not affect the Group’s financial position beyond those receivables and obliga-
tions recognised in the balance sheetat 31 December 2008. 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Notes (parent company) l

143 of 152

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts

Notes (parent company)

DKKm   

2007 

2008

  12  Related parties 

  Supervisory Board and Executive Management 

  Sales of insurances and claims payments 
- Parent company (TryghedsGruppen smba) 
- Key management 
- Other related parties 

  Claims payments 
- Key management 
- Other related parties 

  Guarantee agreements with related parties 

- Commitment 
- Utilesed, end of year 
- Premium 

 Outstanding guarantees cover the policyholders’ financial obligations pursuant to the contract. Fol-
lowing an individual assessment, all guarantees are issued without additional security. The company 
has full recourse against the individual companies. 

 No provisions have been made for non-performing guarantees and no expenses were incurred dur-
ing the financial year. 

  Guarantee agreements are made on market terms. 

  Leases with related parties
  Transactions with related parties also comprise rental income as premises are being let 

to a member of the Board on market terms. 

  Specification of remuneration 
  Supervisory Board 
  Executive Management 

  Remuneration includes pension contributions 
  Supervisory Board 
  Executive Management 

 Members of the Supervisory Board of TrygVesta A/S do not receive bonuses and are not participants 
in any severance plans. The Executive Management has a bonus scheme for up to 3 months’ salary 
(Group CEO up to 4 months’ salary) and participate in the share option programme as mentioned in 
Corporate governance. Other than that, there are no incentive plans for the Supervisory Board and 
Executive Management. 

0.2 
0.4 
17.3 

0.3 
43.6 

1,950 
885 
3 

-4 
-16 

-20 

0 
-3 

-3 

0.3
0.4
115.3

0.2
9.6

1,200
726
3

-4
-19

-23

0
-3

-3

144 of 152

l Notes (parent company) l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DKKm   

  12  Parent company 

  TryghedsGruppen smba 
  TryghedsGruppen smba controls 60% of the shares in TrygVesta A/S. 

Intra-group trading involved 
- Providing and receiving services 
- Sale of unlisted shares 

  Administration fee, etc. is fixed on a cost-recovery basis. 

Intra-group accounts are offset and carry interest on market terms. 

  Subsidiaries and associates 
  TrygVesta A/S has 100% control of TrygVesta Forsikring A/S 100%. 

Intra-group transactions
Intra-group trading involved 
- Providing and receiving services 
- Intra-group account 
- Interest 

  Assets are transferred on market terms 
  Administration fee, etc. is fixed on a cost-recovery basis. 

Intra-group accounts are offset and carry interest on market terms. 

2007 

2008

0 
15 

49 
131 
4 

1
0

59
297
21

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Notes (parent company) l

145 of 152

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts

financial highlights and key ratios by geography

DKKm   

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008

  Danish general insurance 
  Gross premiums earned 
  Technical result 
  Return on investment activities 
  Other income and expenses 
  Profit/loss before tax 
  Fixed assets 

  Key ratios 
  Gross claims ratio 
  Business ceded as % of gross premiums 

  Claims ratio, net of ceded business 
  Gross expense ratio 

  Combined ratio 

8,525 
720 
378 
4 
1,102 
903 

73.0 
3.5 

76.5 
16.3 

92.8 

8,764 
956 
567 
7 
1,530 
1,011 

77.1 
-3.9 

73.2 
16.6 

89.8 

9,084 
1,377 
723 
2 
2,102 
1,135 

66.8 
3.9 

70.7 
16.1 

86.8 

9,346 
1,639 
225 
2 
1,866 
1,171 

69.3 
0.0 

69.3 
15.3 

84.6 

9,620
1,695
-435
4
1,264
1,616

64.9
4.2

69.1
16.0

85.1

  Number of full-time employess, end of period 

2,223 

2,215 

2,231 

2,242 

2,377

  Norwegian general insurance  
  Gross premiums earned 
  Technical result 
  Return on investment activities 
  Other income and expenses 
  Profit/loss before tax 
  Fixed assets 

  Key ratios 
  Gross claims ratio 
  Business ceded as % of gross premiums 

  Claims ratio, net of ceded business 
  Gross expense ratio 

  Combined ratio 

6,653 
1,032 
24 
2 
1,058 
682 

62.1 
6.2 

68.3 
17.2 

85.5 

6,810 
1,131 
361 
2 
1,494 
721 

63.0 
5.2 

68.2 
16.7 

84.9 

6,738 
1,214 
483 
3 
1,700 
737 

64.3 
3.6 

67.9 
16.5 

84.4 

6,919 
1,335 
118 
-7 
1,446 
799 

64.0 
4.9 

68.9 
15.8 

84.7 

7,129
815
-597
3
221
659

71.0
3.8

74.8
16.8

91.6

  Number of full-time employess, end of period 

1,454 

1,431 

1,460 

1,384 

1,455

  finnish general insurance 
  Gross premiums earned 
  Technical result 
  Return on investment activities 
  Profit/loss before tax 
  Fixed assets 

  Key ratios 
  Gross claims ratio 
  Business ceded as % of gross premiums 

  Claims ratio, net of ceded business 
  Gross expense ratio 

97 
-45 
-2 
-47 
0 

75.3 
0.2 

75.5 
73.0 

140 
-41 
-2 
-43 
0 

80.9 
0.2 

81.1 
50.2 

198 
-34 
-4 
-38 
0 

78.1 
0.2 

78.3 
41.7 

251 
-49 
-10 
-59 
0 

74.9 
0.4 

75.3 
49.8 

  Combined ratio 

148.5 

131.3 

120.0 

125.1 

  Number of full-time employess, end of period 

51 

48 

77 

127 

354
-44
-4
-48
5

72.9
0.3

73.2
44.1

117.3

154

146 of 152 l Financial highlights and key ratios by geography l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DKKm   

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008

  Swedish general insurance 
  Gross premiums earned 
  Technical result 
  Return on investment activities 
  Profit/loss before tax 
  Fixed assets 

  Key ratios 
  Gross claims ratio 
  Business ceded as % of gross premiums 

  Claims ratio, net of ceded business 
  Gross expense ratio 

  Combined ratio 

  Number of full-time employess, end of period 

  Other * 
  Gross premiums earned 
  Technical result 
  Return on investment activities 
  Other income and expenses 
  Profit/loss before tax 
  Fixed assets 

  Number of full-time employess, end of period 

  TrygVesta 
  Gross premiums earned 
  Technical result 
  Return on investment activities 
  Other income and expenses 
  Profit/loss before tax 
  Fixed assets 

  Key ratios 
  Gross claims ratio 
  Business ceded as % of gross premiums 

  Claims ratio, net of ceded business 
  Gross expense ratio 

  Combined ratio 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

-9 
0 
-29 
-32 
-61 
588 

34 

15,266 
1,707 
371 
-26 
2,052 
2,173 

68.3 
4.6 

72.9 
17.1 

90.0 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

-9 
1 
-32 
-37 
-68 
432 

24 

15,705 
2,047 
894 
-28 
2,913 
2,164 

71.1 
0.1 

71.2 
17.0 

88.2 

4 
-41 
0 
-41 
2 

144.9 
0.4 

145.3 
1,003.8 

1,149.1 

40 

-3 
-4 
26 
-36 
-14 
677 

0 

16,021 
2,512 
1,228 
-31 
3,709 
2,551 

65.9 
3.7 

69.6 
16.8 

86.4 

90 
-82 
-1 
-83 
3 

88.9 
0.0 

88.9 
105.6 

194.5 

61 

0 
-23 
8 
-46 
-61 
676 

0 

16,606 
2,820 
340 
-51 
3,109 
2,649 

67.3 
2.1 

69.4 
16.7 

86.1 

225
-93
-2
-95
2

95.1
0.9

96.0
48.4

144.4

105

-5
11
50
-56
5
1,775

0

17,323
2,384
-988
-49
1,347
4,057

67.9
3.9

71.8
17.3

89.1

  Number of full-time employess, end of period 

3,762 

3,718 

3,808 

3,814 

4,091

  * Amounts relating to TrygVesta A/S, Tryg Ejendomme A/S, Ejendomsselskabet af 8. maj and eliminations are included in ’Other’. 

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Financial highlights and key ratios by geography l

147 of 152

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Glossary

Glossary

The financial highlights and key ratios of TrygVesta have been prepared 
in accordance with the executive order issued by the Danish Financial 
Supervisory Authority on the presentation of financial reports by insur-
ance companies and profession-specific pension funds and also comply 
with “Recommendations & Financial Ratios 2005” issued by the Danish 
Society of Financial Analysts.

Run-off result 
The difference between provisions for claims at the beginning of the fi-
nancial year (adjusted for currency translation differences and dis-
counting effects) and the sum of claims paid in the financial year plus 
the part of the provisions for claims at the end of the financial year 
that relates to claims incurred in prior financial years.

Gross earned premiums
Calculated as gross premiums written adjusted for change in gross pro-
visions for unearned premiums, less bonuses and premium rebates.

Relative run-off gains/losses
Run-off result relative to provisions insurance contract, beginning of year.

Gross claims ratio
Calculated as the ratio of gross claims incurred to gross earned premiums.

Gross claims incurred x 100
Gross earned premiums

Business ceded as a percentage of gross premiums
Calculated as the ratio of the net result of business ceded to gross 
earned premiums.

Net result of business ceded x 100
Gross earned premiums

Gross expense ratio
Calculated as the ratio of gross insurance operating expenses to gross 
earned premiums.

Gross insurance operating expenses x 100
Gross earned premiums

Adjusted gross expense ratio 
Calculated as the ratio of gross insurance operating expenses including 
adjustment to gross earned premiums. The adjustment involves the de-
duction of depreciation and operating costs on the owner-occupied 
property and the addition of a calculated cost (rent) concerning the 
owner-occupied property based on a calculated market rent.  

Discounting
Expresses recognition in the financial statements of expected future pay-
ments at a value below the nominal amount, as the recognised amount 
carries interest until payment. The size of the discount depends on the 
market based discount rate applied and the expected time to payment.

Unwinding
Unwinding of discounting takes place with the passage of time as the 
expected time to payment is reduced. The closer the time of payment, 
the smaller the discount. This gradual increase of the provision is not rec-
ognised under claims, but in technical interest in the income statement.

Return on equity
Calculated as the profit for the year as a percentage of the average 
shareholders’ equity.

Profit for the year x 100
Average equity

Net asset value per share
Calculated as year-end shareholders’ equity divided by the
average number of shares.

Year-end equity
Average number of shares

Gross insurance operating expenses incl. adjustment x 100 
Gross earned premiums

Earnings per share
Calculated as the profit for the year divided by the average number of 
shares.

Combined ratio
Calculated as the sum of the gross claims ratio, the net result of busi-
ness ceded as a percentage of gross earned premiums and the gross 
expense ratio.

Operating ratio
Calculated like the combined ratio but adding technical interest in the 
denominator.

Profit for the year x 100
Average number of shares

Dividends per share
Calculated as the total dividend proposed divided by the
average number of shares.

Proposed dividend
Number of shares year end

(Claims incurred + insurance 
Operating expenses + result of reinsurance) x 100
Gross earned premiums + technical interest

Provisions for claims to earned premiums
Calculated as the ratio of provisions for claims relative to earned premiums.

Price/net asset value
Calculated as the quoted price of the share divided by the net asset 
value per share.

Quoted price
Net asset value per share

148 of 152 l Glossary l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

Price/earnings
Calculated as the ratio of the price per share to earnings per share.

Quoted price
Earnings per share

Danish general insurance
Comprises the legal entities in TrygVesta Forsikring A/S
(excluding the Norwegian, Finnish and Swedish branches)
and TrygVesta Garantiforsikring A/S.

Norwegian general insurance
 Comprises TrygVesta Forsikring A/S, Norwegian branch, the Norwegian sub-
sidiaries and the Norwegian branch of TrygVesta Garantiforsikring A/S.

 finnish general insurance
 Comprises TrygVesta Forsikring A/S, Finnish branch and the Finnish 
branch of TrygVesta Garantiforsikring A/S.

 Swedish general insurance
 Comprises TrygVesta Forsikring A/S, Swedish branch and the Swedish 
branch of TrygVesta Garantiforsikring A/S.

 Individual Solvency
 New Danish solvency requirements for insurance companies. With  
effect from 1 January 2008, companies are required to make  
their own determination of their capital requirements applied with  
own methods. The Individual Solvency shall be reported to the Danish 
FSA four times a year.

 Solvency II
 New solvency requirements for insurance companies issued by the EU  
Commisison. The new rules are expected to com into effect in 2012 at 
the earliest.

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Glossary l

149 of 152

Organisation Chart

Organisation chart 2009

CEO

Stine Bosse

COMMUNICATIONS

INVESTOR 
RELATIONS

LEGAL DEPARTMENT 
& QUALITY

Customer Service 
& Sales
Direct
Lars Bonde

Customer Service 
& Sales
Partners
Kjerstin Fyllingen

Corporate

Claims

Corporate Branding 
& Business Centres

Process & IT

Group finance

Strategy & human 
Competency

Truls Holm Olsen

Birgitte Kartman

Jens Stener

Peter Falkenham

Morten Hübbe

Martin Bøge Mikkelsen

Customer Service 

Sweden

Sales DK

Personal Claims

Marketing 

IT strategy, Arkitecture 
& Planning

Controlling 
& Reporting

Strategy 
& Planning

Sales
Outbound

Sales
Private

Finland

Sales NO 

Car Claims 

Segmentation / 
Concepts 

Sales- and 
Customer Processes

Group Risk

M&A 

Civil Servants 

UW

Building / Property
Claims 

BusinessLab

Product-, Police- and 
UW Processes 

Business Intelligence 

Organisational 
& Leadership 
Development 

Sales
Commercial

Partner Contracts
Private

International
Solutions 

Claims
Liability / Lawyers 

BC Health Care
& Person 

Claims and 
Support Processes 

Finance & Salary 

Lean 

Advisory Services 
& Sales Support

Partner Contracts
Commercial

Travel Claims and
Alarm

Bankassurance

Claims Purchase

BC
Private

BC
Car 

E-business 

Investments

Recruitment 
& Benefits 

IT Operations 

Corporate Finance 

Car Channel & Enter

Claims Secretariat
& Fact-finding

BC
Commercial / 
Corporate

Nordea + partners 

Corporate Learning

The Living House

TrygVesta 
Garantiforsikring 

Excecutive Management of TrygVesta A/S

Excecutive Management of TrygVesta Forsikring A/S

150 af 152 l Organisation chart 2009 l TrygVesta Annual Report 2008

Disclaimer

Certain statements in this annual report are based on the beliefs 

TrygVesta urges readers to refer to the section on risk manage-

of our management as well as assumptions made by and informa-

ment for a description of some of the factors that could affect  

tion currently available to management. Statements regarding 

the Group’s future performance or the insurance industri.

TrygVesta’s future results of operations, financial condition, cash 

flows, business strategy, plans and future objectives other than 

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialise  

statements of historical fact can generally be identified by termino-

or should any underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect,  

logy such as ”targets”, ”believes”, ”expects”, ”aims”, ”intends”, 

TrygVesta’s actual financial condition or results of operations  

”plans”, ”seeks”, ”will”, ”may”, ”anticipates”, ”would”, ”could”, 

could materially differ from that described herein as anticiparted, 

”continues” or similar expressions.

believed, estimated or expected.

A number of different factors may cause the actual performance  

TrygVesta is not under any duty to update any of the forward- 

to deviate significantly from the forward-looking statements in  

looking statements or to conform such statements to actual 

this annual report, including but not limited to general economic 

results, except as may be required by law.

developments, changes in the competitive envrironment, develop-

ments in the financial markets, extra ordinary events such as  

natural disasters or terrorist atttacks, changes in legislation or  

case law and reinsurance.

This is a translation of the Danish Annual Report 2008. In case of any discrepency between the Danish and the English version of the Annual  
Report 2008, the Danish version shall apply.

TrygVesta Annual Report 2008 l Discaimer l

151 of 152

A
n
n
u
a
l

R
e
p
o
r
t
2
0
0
8

Annual Report 2008

TrygVesta A/S

Klausdalsbrovej 601

DK-2750 Ballerup

TrygVesta@trygvesta.com

www.trygvesta.com

Phone +45 70 11 20 20 

CVR no. 26460212

Fax +45 44 20 66 00