Fortis unveils new look

Fortis has confirmed it will be re-branded as Ageas after the move was granted shareholder approval.

The insurer has also released the new logo which will go with the re-naming proposed earlier in the year, and says it will introduce the change gradually into the UK, aiming to complete it by Q1 of 2011.

Shareholders meetings in Brussels and Utrecht gave the rebranding overwhelming support with 97% and 99% approval respectively.

The move became necessary after the business's banking arm was sold off to BNP Paribas in 2009, who retained the rights to the Fortis name.

Barry Smith, chief executive of Fortis UK welcomed the confirmation of the new brand name.

"Shareholder support for the new brand name ‘Ageas' marks an important milestone in our development as a successful and growing insurance group," he says.

The provider added that no changes to the Fortis name or logo for brokers, partners or clients in customer literature or policy documentation are currently required.