Zurich applies for listing of 1 million new shares to fulfill obligations under employee share and option plans

Zurich, March 2, 2006 - Zurich Financial Services (Zurich) has submitted an application to list 1,000,000 registered shares with a nominal value of CHF 2.50 per share out of contingent capital at the SWX Swiss Exchange. Similar applications have been made in the United Kingdom where Zurich has a secondary listing. The shares are allocated to be issued over time to meet Zurich's obligations under various employee share and option plans as they arise.

Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) is an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network of subsidiaries and offices in North America and Europe as well as in Asia Pacific, Latin America and other markets. Founded in 1872, the Group is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It employs approximately 55,000 people serving customers in more than 120 countries.