Allianz AG

This case focuses on broad-gauge strategic positioning and implementation in the global financial services sector. Allianz AG, as summarized in the case, is a major German insurance company with its strongest footprint in the domestic property and casualty business, but also occupying market positions in life and health insurance, and in insurance-likes savings products such as variable and fixed annuities as well as reinsurance. This case focuses on strategic options facing management across clients, products and geographies at German, European and global levels.

Key questions facing Allianz management are: What kind of strategy? How to implement and market that strategy both inside and outside the firm? What kinds of strategic positioning and execution alternatives seemed most promising from the perspective of market share, profitability and shareholder value? And what models are there in the financial sector, ranging from multifunctional financial conglomerates like Citigroup to much more focused but global firms like AIG and AXA to local but string competitive players like Lloyds TSB or Vanguard or Gerling?