CGNU seeks buyer for Courtage

CGNU PLC
8 October 2001



CGNU seeks a buyer for CGU Courtage in France

CGNU plc announces that CGU France has started a process to find a buyer for 
CGU Courtage, its general insurance commercial lines broker distribution 
business.  In 2000, net written premiums for this business were Euros 355
million.

CGU France will continue to operate in personal lines and small commercial 
lines general insurance through Abeille assurances (tied agent distribution), 
which is also an important sales channel for life and health products, and
through Eurofil (tele-direct). These businesses had net written premiums of 
Euros 695 million in 2000.


Enquiries:

Analysts/Investors:
Steve Riley, Investor Relations Director          [phone]

Media:
Hayley Stimpson, Director of External Affairs     [phone]
Alex Child-Villiers, Financial Dynamics           [phone]


Notes to Editors

* CGNU also has long-term savings and asset management businesses in France 
  operating through Abeille vie and Victoire Asset Management. Long-term 
  savings new business premiums, in France, in 2000 were £1,861 million.
* CGNU is the world's sixth-largest insurance group and the largest insurer 
  in the UK. It has worldwide premium and investment sales from ongoing 
  business of £27 billion, and more than £200 billion in assets under
  management at 30 June 2001.
* The most recent financial reports are available on the Group's website, 
  www.cgnu-group.com