
19.11.2024
Erste congratulates Wiener Städtische Versicherungsverein on its 200th birthday
Erste Group congratulates Vienna Insurance Group on the 200th anniversary of the founding of Wiener Städtische Versicherungsverein. Erste Group sends a special birthday serenade from people who appreciate Wiener Städtische Versicherungsverein's commitment, the partnership between the two financial institutions, and their significance for the city of Vienna. Both financial institutions share a close partnership and common history. The movie can be found at: www.erstegroup.com/ohnesorgen.
“Erste and Wiener Städtische are connected not only by a shared history, but above all by shared values,” explains Peter Bosek, CEO of Erste Group. “Both our institutions believe in the importance of cross-border exchanges in the spirit of the European idea, in social progress through close cooperation with organizations that are active in our societies in Central and Eastern Europe. We thank you for many years of valuable cooperation that goes far beyond a purely business-level relationship. We appreciate that you exist, dear sister!”
A birthday serenade that connects
The values connecting the two institutions are exactly those that need to be emphasized all the more strongly in challenging times. This is best achieved with a song – sung by as many voices and as loudly as possible, by representatives from the Arts, culture, and daily Viennese life. From the Mayor of Vienna to a caregiver, from a cook to a cabaret artist, from a board member to an opera singer – over 100 people in total have lent their voices to the song "Ohne Sorgen”, a reworded version of Falco's "Amadeus". A video of “Ohne Sorgen” is available on a dedicated landing page on the Erste Group website (erstegroup.com/ohnesorgen). It was also broadcast in full length on November 18th and during the festivities held on the Erste Campus and on Austrian TV.
In addition, illuminated advertisement displays around Vienna’s famous Ringstraße boulevard and the branding of the tram station in front of Vienna Insurance Group’s head office in the iconic Ringturm building highlight the shared history of the two Vienna-based financial institutions and offer additional greetings and congratulations.
A shared vision, a successful partnership
Wiener Städtische Versicherungsverein was founded on 24 December 1824. The post-Napoleonic era was a very special time that created space for special ideas. For Wiener Städtische Versicherungsverein, that idea involved offering affordable insurance for everyone. For Erste oesterreichische Spar-Casse (the “first Austrian savings bank”, which had been founded just a few years earlier), the driving idea was providing access to prosperity for as many people as possible, regardless of their age, gender, or origin. In both cases, advancing the common good stood at the very forefront.
These ideas soon spread beyond national borders. Just as the Spar-Casse eventually developed into today’s Erste Group with a banking presence across Central and Eastern Europe, Wiener Städtische Versicherungsverein evolved to become the main shareholder of Vienna Insurance Group, which operates in 25 countries in Europe and has been Erste Group’s most important partner for many years. The focus is on people – that’s true for both Erste Group and the ERSTE Foundation, which is the direct legal successor of the Spar-Casse, as well as for Wiener Städtische and Wiener Städtische Versicherungsverein.
The Vienna-based banking and insurance groups cooperate closely in the business sector –Erste Group acts as an insurance agent for the Vienna Insurance Group, and various local partnerships exist – as well as in their societal engagement, for example through their joint support for the socially-oriented bank Zweite Sparkasse or in the non-profit housing sector.
Notice/Disclosure:
Wiener Städtische Versicherungsverein’s oldest roots date back to 24 December 1824. Today, the association is the main shareholder of Vienna Insurance Group, which is Erste Group‘s long-standing insurance partner. Erste Group warmly congratulates Wiener Städtische Versicherungsverein on its 200th anniversary and expresses its gratitude for the many years of close and trusting cooperation and partnership the two institutions have enjoyed in the insurance sector and beyond.

© Erste Group / Daniel Hinterramskogler

© Erste Group / Daniel Hinterramskogler