Friends Life is now part of Aviva, having been acquired by the company in April 2015. As a distinct entity, Friends Life no longer operates under its original name, with its services and policies integrated into Aviva's comprehensive offerings.
The Journey of Friends Life to Aviva
The company known as Friends Life was formed in 2011 as a result of a significant amalgamation within the UK's financial services sector. This formation brought together several notable entities:
- Friends Provident: A long-standing insurance company.
- The majority of AXA's UK Life business: Expanding its life assurance footprint.
- Bupa Health Assurance: Adding health-related assurance services.
This consolidation created a substantial new player in the life assurance and pensions market. However, Friends Life's independent existence was relatively brief.
Key Milestones
To illustrate the company's evolution, consider the following timeline:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2011 | Friends Life is officially formed through the merger of Friends Provident, most of AXA's UK Life business, and Bupa Health Assurance. |
| 2015 | Friends Life is acquired by Aviva, a leading international insurance, savings, and investment business, in April. |
Following the acquisition in April 2015, Aviva integrated Friends Life's operations, policies, and customer base into its existing structure. This means that former Friends Life policyholders are now managed by Aviva, and any new business falls under the Aviva brand. For more information on Aviva's history and current services, you can visit their official website, such as Aviva.co.uk.
Essentially, Friends Life transformed from an independent entity into an integral part of one of the largest insurance providers in the United Kingdom, Aviva.
