Chartis and Reader's Digest Association to Expand Global Collaboration

NEW YORK, Jan. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Chartis, an award-winning property-casualty and general insurance organization serving more than 70 million clients around the world, and Reader's Digest, one of the world's most recognizable brands, today announced they are expanding their global relationship to include new insurance solutions and new distribution channels around the world.

The joint collaboration will promote a suite of Accident & Health, specialized property and casualty and other insurance solutions. Reader's Digest will provide custom-created content to plan members, and the programs will be marketed through the full range of Reader's Digest online and offline channels.  Chartis and Reader's Digest Association will offer insurance solutions throughout the world.  The two companies previously have worked cooperatively for the past 10 years to market Chartis' insurance solutions in Europe, Asia and Latin America.

"The extension of our longstanding international relationship with Reader's Digest enables us not only to penetrate new insurance markets, but also combines the best our two companies have to offer," said Jeff Hayman, Chief Executive Officer, Global Consumer Insurance at Chartis. "Reader's Digest's consumer database and touch points, along with the Chartis insurers' underwriting and distribution expertise, will combine to create a significant new business opportunity."

"Reader's Digest is a trusted source of information and advice that simplifies and enriches the lives of hundreds of millions of people around the world.  Chartis is a world leading insurance organization.  We are bringing the two together in new ways to offer solutions that will improve the lives of consumers," said Dan Lagani, President, Reader's Digest North America, and Executive Vice President, Reader's Digest Association. "The expansion of our relationship with Chartis is an exciting new chapter for the Reader's Digest brand."

"Reader's Digest International looks forward to using our expertise and understanding of markets around the world to work with Chartis to introduce these exciting new insurance solutions to consumers," said Dawn Zier, President, International and Executive Vice President, Reader's Digest Association.

About The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.

Reader's Digest Association is a global media and direct marketing company that educates, entertains and connects more than 145 million consumers around the world with products and services from trusted brands. With offices in 44 countries, the company reaches customers in 79 countries, publishes 86 magazines, including 50 editions of Reader's Digest, the world's largest-circulation magazine, operates 82 branded websites and sells nearly 40 million books, music and video products across the world each year. Further information about the company can be found at www.rda.com.

About Chartis

Chartis is a world leading property-casualty and general insurance organization serving more than 70 million clients around the world. With one of the industry's most extensive ranges of products and services, deep claims expertise and excellent financial strength, Chartis enables its commercial and personal insurance clients alike to manage virtually any risk with confidence. Chartis is the marketing name for the worldwide property-casualty and general insurance operations of Chartis Inc. For additional information, please visit our website at http://www.chartisinsurance.com. All products are written by insurance company subsidiaries or affiliates of Chartis Inc. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions and is subject to actual policy language. Non-insurance products and services may be provided by independent third parties. Certain coverage may be provided by a surplus lines insurer. Surplus lines insurers do not generally participate in state guaranty funds and insureds are therefore not protected by such funds.

Reader's Digest contacts:

Media: Gary Davis, 646-293-6206, [email protected]

Investors: Bryan Berndt, 646-293-6054

Chartis contacts:

Media: Marie Ali, 212-458-2536, [email protected]

SOURCE The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.