Founded in 1896 and based in Minneapolis, Allianz Life provides fixed and variable annuities, life insurance polocies, and long-term care insurance products in the United States.  Allianz products are offered through a nationwide network of independent distribution.  The company is part of Allianz SE, a global financial services group that is the 14th largest corporation in the world based on revenue ( Fortune, July 2008).  Allianz SE employs more than 177,000 people worldwide.