Some decades ago, 4 of the biggest UK insurance firms explored a merger.
A designer was commissioned to provide a new coat of arms for the new company. But, when the designer presented his mock-up, the companies’ representatives saw a shield containing four intricately detailed scenes, and gave way to shocked silence.
“What the hell is this?” spluttered one representative, finally.
“Surely it’s obvious?” replied the designer. “On the top left, you have a married couple in bed together: that’s Legal & General. Top right, you’ve got sex with a prostitute: that’s Commercial Union. Bottom left is an employee being sexually harassed: that’s Employer’s Liability. And, finally, the unexpected pregnancy: I haven’t forgotten General Accident.”