James Bond Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Aon Corporation

Business Wire, Nov 15, 2002

Business Editors

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 15, 2002

When British superspy James Bond accepts his 20th silver screen assignment later this month he'll be saving the world with the same partner he's had for the past 40 years: Aon Corporation (NYSE: AOC).

Aon's Albert G. Ruben specialty insurance group has insured the James Bond franchise through its Los Angeles and London offices since the series began in 1962. Through its four decade run the series has become the longest running and arguably the highest-grossing franchise in film history, generating more than $3 billion dollars worldwide. In his book, License to Thrill, author James Chapman is quoted as estimating that more than a quarter of the world's population has seen at least one of the 20 James Bond films. Evidence of the fictional spy's impact on the imagination is aptly illustrated by the story of former CIA director Allen Dulles reportedly assigning agents to evaluate whether some of the technology contained in James Bonds' custom-built Aston Martin could be used for spying in the real world.

Peter Robey, Managing Director of Aon/Albert G. Ruben says the company's association with 007 has helped the Entertainment Division grow as the Bond films and other similar action films have evolved. "We're very pleased with our association with the world's longest-running film franchise and value our long relationship with both Eon and MGM these past 40 years," he said. "The Bond series represents a particular film genre that over the years has developed very specific production requirements and has highly defined quality control mechanisms. The production relies on specialized expertise from Aon and others to ensure 007 stays true to form. We're pleased that our experience has played a role in establishing James Bond as a pop culture icon."

Aon/Albert G. Ruben insures a broad range of motion picture productions. In addition to the James Bond films, Ruben is currently associated with several other important motion picture franchises, including the Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and Star Wars series. The complexity involved in the making of films like these provides Aon with the opportunity to bring its motion picture clients its broad range of capabilities.

The latest James Bond film, "Die Another Day," is scheduled to open in the U.S. on November 22.

Aon Corporation is a holding company that is comprised of a family of insurance brokerage, consulting, and insurance underwriting subsidiaries.

This press release may contain certain statements relating to future results, which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from either historical or anticipated results, depending on a variety of factors. Potential factors that could impact results include the general economic conditions in different countries around the world, fluctuations in global equity and fixed income markets, rating agency actions, the cost and availability of financing, the completion, cost and timing of the capital enhancement plan, changes in commercial property and casualty premium rates, the competitive environment, the actual cost of resolution of contingent liabilities and other loss contingencies, the ultimate impact of the business transformation plan, and the timing and resolution of related insurance and reinsurance issues relating to the events of September 11, 2001. Further information concerning the Company and its business, including factors that potentially could materially affect the Company's financial results, are contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.