125 years Munich Re

A tradition of innovation

On 19 April 1880 Carl Thieme founds Munich Re. His visions transform the industry. And to this day his philosophy shapes our corporate culture. Let's imagine our founding father were here with us today: what would he think?

125 years of risk

In 1880, times for reinsurers are hard. The German Empire is only nine years old, the founder-boom already over. Many new insurance companies are being wound up. But Thieme does not shy away from risk. He has a vision, seemingly inexhaustible energy and a persuasive optimism that convinces his partners and clients alike. Within a mere five years, he succeeds in making his company the world's largest reinsurer. An open attitude to all that is new, the courage to take risks and the cultivation of partnerships with our clients and employees are strengths that have driven our success for 125 years.

125 years of security

If Thieme could see our figures today, he would surely be satisfied, for "the business of risk requires a solid financial foundation". To secure his high capital requirements, he creates a joint-stock company. In so doing, he lays the foundations for growth and viability. We have expanded this foundation and are now one of the world's most profitable risk carriers.

125 years of knowledge

125 years of Munich Re also stand for 125 years of research and development. New ideas are always welcome; they are analysed, supported and brought to fruition. In 1898 Munich Re develops the first machinery insurance. In the 1920s, our handwritten rating manuals represent the first sound basis for insuring the lives of people who are not 100 per cent healthy. These manuals have evolved into the extensive reference works and IT-supported expert systems available to us today. Engineers and scientists from over 80 specialist fields conduct worldwide research on the risks of the future. Hence we remain a recognised knowledge carrier and the first point of contact in all matters related to insurance.

125 years of innovation

Integrated risk management and customised portfolio solutions are concepts that would be completely alien to Thieme. In 1910, Munich Re broke new ground by writing aviation business. Nowadays it is the uncharted territory of nanotechnology and biotechnology that we are concerned with. It has always been our commitment to answer the questions of tomorrow today.

125 years of partnership

"It is necessary to stress the value of partnership between the primary insurer and reinsurer." This is one of the principles dating back to the year 1880. We have overcome economic crises, wars and catastrophes because our clients and employees have always stood by us. And nothing has changed since then. To us, partnership denotes a business and human relationship, in which the other partner's development processes are treated with respect and integrity and are promoted. And this applies equally to our clients and our employees.

If Carl Thieme were here today, he would probably think: "Many things are the same and yet quite different."