Resolution confirmed it has acquired the Axa UK Life business, including its protection, corporate benefits and annuities arms.
Axa UK Life is now held by Friends Provident Holdings (FPH) Ltd, a subsidiary of Resolution.
The combined business will relaunch under the new Friends Life brand name in early 2011.
Resolution is also promising to continue its agressive acquisitions startegy within the UK life market.
"The Friends Provident and AXA UK businesses offer a strong operational and new business fit and the combined business provides a wide range of options for future consolidation in the UK," it says.
Trevor Matthews, CEO of Friends Provident, will continue in that role.
David Hynam and Andy Parsons, both formerly of AXA, have joined the FPH board as executive director - operations, and executive director - finance respectively. Parsons' role is on an interim basis.
"Our combined organisation has a real opportunity to shape the future direction of the life and pensions industry in the UK," says Matthews.
"We are excited by the continued prospects for our business as the driving force in Resolution's consolidation strategy in the life sector," he adds.
The enlarged group will now have 6,000 employees.
