The marriage of AXA Insurance and Norwich Union, Middle East is on course, company representatives said.

Didier Boussemart, chief executive of AXA Gulf, is confident about the first stages of the AXA Norwich Union merger.

"Signing the deal was relatively simple and fast because it made business sense for both organisations. We are two leading international insurers in the region - expert in the insurance business and totally committed to satisfying our customers. A merger is not simply an event, but an evolving process," Boussemart said.

"We are absolutely focused on the post-merger integration implementation [plan]. [We want to quickly deliver on] the promised synergies - our clients are watching," said Iain Reid, regional director of Norwich Union.

"A dual branded logo has been developed to represent the new unity, with the tag line 'Together we're stronger'. Our brand values and services to our customers and business partners will continue at the highest level throughout our GCC offices," said Toby Sizeland, marketing and marine manager of Norwich Union.

"In the past month, we have made great progress in unifying the operations," said Vipin Chandra, country manager in the Sultanate of Oman.