Jul

• By 31 July 2006, our overseas network has grown to a size of 63 bases across 39 countries and regions.

Dec

• Another 47% of outstanding shares of Aviva Insurance Berhad is purchased by MSI.

Oct

• MetLife's acquisition of the life insurance and annuity businesses of Citigroup results in the change of MSICiti (a joint venture company between MSI and Citigroup) to Mitsui Sumitomo MetLife Insurance Co., Ltd. 

Sep

• Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Venture Capital establishes a buyout fund.
• In accordance to the sales and purchase agreement with Aviva plc., we purchase 51% of the outstanding shares of Aviva Insurance Berhad.

Aug

• We acquire Mingtai, the second largest non-life insurer in Taiwan, through a 100% purchase of outstanding shares.

Jul

• In accordance with the sales and purchase agreement with Aviva plc., we purchase 80% of the outstanding shares of  PT. Aviva Insurance.
• By 31 July 2005, our overseas network has grown to a size of 61 bases across 38 countries and regions.

Apr

• We start implementing Challenge 10 Stage 1, a medium-term management plan for the years 2005 and 2006.
• An agreement is made to acquire Mingtai Fire & Marine Insurance, the second largest non-life insurance company in Taiwan.
• MSI launches a tropical forest regenerating project together with the Bureau of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation of Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry under collaborative guidance from Sumitomo Forestry.
• A Telemarketing Centre is launched to support automobile insurance agents in calling prospective customers.

Feb

• Geared for growth in Asia, we acquire the Asian non-life insurance business operations of Aviva plc, the largest insurance company in the United Kingdom.

Jan

• We are the first insurance company in Japan to develop the MS 1 mobile terminal aimed to more efficiently process contracts, thus reducing paperwork and improving customer service levels.

Oct

• A CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) section is set up within the Corporate Planning department. This reflects our commitment towards planning and implementing initiatives in light of CSR.
• We receive the Welfare Minister’s Best Volunteer Activist Prize from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for our continuous efforts of more than a decade in conducting and supporting welfare services.

Jul

• An operational tie-up is made with AXA Life Insurance Company Limited, establishing collaboration in marketing Defined Contribution (DC) pension plans.
• By 31 July 2004, our overseas network has grown to a size of 58 bases located across 37 countries and regions.

Jun

• MSI participates in the United Nations Global Compact, and commits to activities that will fulfil the 10 principles of the Global Compact.

Apr

• MSI invests approximately ¥0.1 billion in Asia Insurance Cambodia Limited as part of expansion initiatives in Asia.
• An operational and capital tie-up is established with Tokai Tokyo Securities for product extension purposes.

Feb & Mar

• Investments of ¥4.5 billion in The Ayudhya Insurance Public Company in Thailand and ¥0.7 billion in Bangkok Life Assurance, mark MSI’s first step into the Asian life insurance market.

Feb

• We acquire underwriting approval from the Chinese insurance authority. 

Aug

• A CSR Committee is established to drive CSR initiatives throughout the organisation.

Jul

• By 31 July 2003, our overseas network has grown to a size of 56 bases located across 36 countries and regions.

Apr

• MS WAVE II commences - a two-year plan to become the ’No.1 in total corporate group power’.
• MSI opens a representative office in Suzhou to serve clients in the Jiangsu Province of China.
• MSI forms a strategic alliance with GuaranteedWeather Holding Ltd. (GW), to collaboratively develop its global weather derivatives business.
• MSI invests in Cholamandalam General Insurance Company Limited, a member of the Murugappa Group to form the Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Company Limited (Cholamandalam MS), to penetrate the growing Indian market.

Nov

• For the first time in Japan’s insurance industry, four domestic MSI offices obtain ISO 14001 certification for adherence to international standards on environmental management systems.

Oct

• Mitsui Sumitomo CitiInsurance Life Insurance Co. is established, a joint venture between Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance and Citigroup to offer variable annuity insurance to the Japanese market.
• MSIG is the first Japanese non-life insurance company to underwrite and sell non-life insurance policies in the Republic of Korea.

Jun

• By 30 June 2002, we have a presence in 63 cities across 36 countries and regions particularly through our overseas merger initiatives.
• Mitsui Seimei General Insurance (MSGI) is transferred to MSI from Mitsui Mutual Life Insurance Company (Mitsui Life).

May

• The MSIG Shinikawa office acquires ISO 14001 certification, for compliance in environmental management international standards.

Apr

• American Appraisal Japan Co., a joint venture between Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group's InterRisk Research Institute & Consulting, Inc. and American Appraisal Associate (AAA), is established to offer professional valuation services in Japan.
• Two overseas reinsurance subsidiaries increase their capital base – Bermuda-based MS Frontier Reinsurance's capital is increased to US$100 million, while Ireland's Mitsui Sumitomo Reinsurance Ltd.'s capital is increased to €40 million. Subsequently, both companies attain AA financial strength ratings from Standard and Poor’s.

Feb

• We form BPI/MS in the Philippines through the merger of FEB Mitsui Marine and FGU Insurance for greater earnings and growth potential.

Jan

• Efficiency in our United States operations is produced through our establishment of the first Japanese non-life insurance holding company in the United States. 

Nov

• An alliance of the asset management subsidiaries - Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance, Mitsui Mutual Life Insurance, Sumitomo Life Insurance, and SMBC - is formed to attain better coordination for future expansion.

Oct

• The merger of Mitsui Marine and Fire Insurance and The Sumitomo Marine & Fire Insurance to become Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance is complete. Through synergy acquired from the merger, we chart our way towards becoming an industry leader.  
• The Sumitomo Marine Yu-Yu Life Insurance Co., Ltd., and Mitsui Marine’s subsidiary Mitsui Mirai Life Insurance Co., Ltd. are merged for greater growth in the life insurance business.
• We introduce the MSI Group Environmental Policy. Action plans include improving, contributing and promoting global environment protection while reducing environmental burden through MSIG’s business activities.