ASTRA Asigurari - RON 4,850,731 net accounting profit and a 65% increase during the 1st quarter of 2010 compared to the 1st quarter of 2009

The volume of total subscribed gross premiums (life and non-life) registered by ASTRA Asigurari on 31.03.2010 amounts to RON 329,821,943, of which RON 327,089,944 is the volume of gross premiums subscribed to general insurance, registering a 65% increase compared to 31.03.2009.

Per classes, as of 31.03.2010, ASTRA Asigurari subscribed: - RON 247 mil. to the Auto segment, registering a 106% increase compared to 31.03.2009, of which RON 199 mil. to the vehicle liability insurance, registering a 274% increase compared to the number subscribed as of 31.03.2009 amounting to RON 53 mil, and Auto Casco RON 47 mil.; - important increases were also registered for building and asset insurances, where the subscribed gross premiums amounted to RON 63 mil., registering a 5% increase compared to Q1/2009, - civil liability with subscribed gross premiums amounting to RON 4 mil., registering a 11% increase compared to the similar period in the previous year. The company has maintained its status as leader on the marine and aviation insurance market, and it has recently renewed the account of TAROM - national airline operator, for the 4th year in a row.

“We have continued our strategy on developing auto, property, marine, cargo and aviation business lines, we have re-created existing products and we have made them more flexible and more accessible to our clients, by customizing them and practicing a fair price for the insured. We have innovated the distribution channels and we have simultaneously operated traditional, as well as alternative distribution. We have introduced a unique system in the insurance policy electronic issuance market in order to optimize the subscription time. For our busy clients, who are Internet users, we have created the option of online procurement by creating the www.astraonline.ro portal", declared Radu Mustatea, President of the ASTRA Asigurari Directorate.

During the first quarter of 2010, life insurance increased by 88% compared to 31.03.2009, and the performed subscribed gross premiums amounted to RON 2,731,999. Important increases were registered for the following products: Garant, with subscribed gross premiums amounting to RON 1,603,136 (53% increase) and Economica, with subscribed gross premiums amounting to RON 350,431, increasing by 392% compared to the similar period of the previous year.

The damages paid by the company as of 31.03.2010 amounted to RON 101 million, and the quantum thereof derived especially from the activity performed on general insurance.

About ASTRA Asigurari

Objectives set for 2010

The company has set the objective to conclude the 2010 financial exercise with a profit of lei 11,785,000 and an income resulted from the subscribed gross premiums of lei 1,160,147,000, registering a 40% increase compared to 2009.

Aside from the profit margin, the company's objectives are for it to continue to provide its clients with fast, competitive services consisting of efficient insurance products, for a fair price to its clients.

Some of the most important clients of ASTRA Asigurari include: TAROM - the national airline, BLUE AIR - the most important private airline, ROMAVIA - the airline of the Ministry of Defense, performing special flights for the Romanian Presidency and Government, Raiffeisen Bank, World Trade Center, Hotel Intercontinental Bucuresti, Romtelecom, CEC, Porsche Romania, “Henri Coanda” Otopeni International Airport, “Aurel Vlaicu” Baneasa International Airport, “Mihail Kogalniceanu” Constanta International Airport.

Awards:

On March 31st this year, in the Insurance Market Award Gala, ASTRA Asigurari was granted the “Insurer of the Year” Award on the general insurance segment. Based on the classification drawn up according to the subscribed gross premiums performed in 2009, the company has also received 24 county awards. For the successful implementation of the insurance policy electronic issuance system, ASTRA Award was also granted the Special Award for PROFESSIONALISM and PERFORMANCE.

Another award granted to ASTRA Asigurari for its achievements was “The most dynamic Insurer on the Agriculture segment in 2009”, granted by the FinMedia trust.

ASTRA Asigurari continues to have an ever more active role in sponsoring Romanian athletes, encouraging the widest range of sports disciplines, such as: sports aviation, arm wrestling, bobsleigh and sleighing, ice hockey, with two of the company’s successful partnerships concluded with the latest Romanian Champion and European Vice-Champion in women’s handball, Oltchim Rm. Valcea, and with the Romanian Federation of Athletics.

Press Office - mihaela.constantin@astrasig.ro