Unipol decides to create the first Italian Company specialized in supplementary health care. The Company believes that the health sector, with such specific issues should have its own specialized departments, as well as professionals (such as health care advisors or doctors in charge) that have not been not part of the traditional insurance culture so far. To ensure greater speed in the authorization formalities, the Company decides to use the subsidiary Noricum Assicurazioni as a vehicle. On 2 May, by Ministerial Decree No. 19.811, Unipol is authorized to acquire a part of the portfolio of the subsidiary Noricum Assicurazioni, leaving it with the health and medical assistance business only. On 19 September, Noricum Assicurazioni changes its name to Unisalute S.p.A.. The new Company thus begins operations exclusively in the health and medical assistance businesses and in the accidents business for coverage that is ancillary to health insurance. Giovanni Consorte is appointed Chief Executive Officer and General Manager.