Agency networks play a primary role in the Group’s multi-channel commercial structure. There were over 9,679 in the Sustainability Report area in 2008. The network comprises for the most part contracting agencies, managed by independent agents based in exclusive, designated areas. It also includes company agencies, where the agent and members of staff are company employees. This organisation is typical of the Austrian companies of the Group and is also adopted by Alleanza Assicurazioni in Italy, Volksfürsorge in Germany and Generali Iard in France. Assicurazioni Generali, alongside an extensive network of contracting agencies, has five company agencies – the so-called “gerenze” – in major Italian cities which focus their attention on the corporate market.

Agencies by premium bracket (SR area; 2007-2008)

As at 31 December 2008, the sales force in the Group’s agency networks in the Sustainability Report area numbered 150,741 (agents, sub-agents, self-employed agency co-operators and sales force on payroll).

The Group’s focus on the principles of correctness and honesty, professionalism and transparency towards the client is echoed in the regulations for the distribution networks which, in addition to making sure legislation on insurance brokerage is observed, are based on the principles of the Ethical Code.

Group companies use other channels in addition to Agencies to sell their products, in particular, a network of over 48,000 financial advisers and over 34,000 brokers (16,350 of which in Germany alone). Bank counters selling Generali Group insurance products currently exceed 6,090 units, 3,862 of which are located in Italy.

Some companies sell their products through their website and call centre.