AFTER 140 years the name of Wythall-based insurer Britannic will be consigned to history after it was announced it is to merge in a £2billion deal.

The company will merge with rival Resolution Life. The firm employs about 700 staff, and has its headquarters off Green Way, Wythall. The new company will be renamed Resolution PLC and the merger is expected to save £20 million a year.

The move follows a difficult few years for Britannic which issued a profits warning in 2003.