Ian Balfe, CEO of the local CGU arm of major international CGNU, will have a new brand to deal with now that the company’s shareholders in London have approved a new name and logo.

About 95% of the shareholders were in favour of adopting the new name “Aviva” and dumping the “CGNU” moniker that marked the merger of CU and Norwich several years ago.

The Aviva branding will be introduced to the parent group CGNU plc next January. It’s not yet known when the local operation will move to the new name, but it’s expected to be some time later next year.

Meanwhile, Mr Balfe had more to celebrate last week than a new name for the company – and the expense of a whole new branding campaign. The company formalised the sale of its retail brown and white goods extended warranty business to OAMPS subsidiary Australian International Insurance.

The extended warranty business allows retailers to extend the length of the manufacturer’s warranty to purchases of TVs, VCRs, microwaves, refrigerators and the like.

OAMPS Chairman John Jones said the acquisition “represents another profitable niche segment” for the company.