Dutch insurer AEGON and Taishin Financial have finalised a joint venture agreement to develop and distribute life insurance and pension products in Taiwan. The joint venture is expected to be operational by mid-2008, subject to final approval by regulatory authorities. Taishin will hold 51 per cent of the joint venture and AEGON the remaining 49 per cent. The joint venture will distribute life insurance and pension products through Taishin's nationwide distribution network of 200 offices, belonging to Taishin Bank, Taiwan Securities, Taishin Insurance Agency and Taishin Insurance Brokers. This network will be expanded by another 170 business locations if the planned merger between Taishin and Chang Hwa Bank goes ahead. The joint venture with AEGON will further extend the range of financial products and services Taishin is able to offer its customers. AEGON Taiwan, now the sixth largest foreign life insurer in the country, will continue to provide its full range of products and services through existing distribution channels.