In the Finnish mythology “Sampo” was a magical mill capable of creating riches of all kinds. (Smith Ilmarinen can be seen forging the said mill in Akseli Gallen-Kallela’s painting on the right.) Not in any way commenting on the suggestive nature of the mark as being a possible incentive for its selection, the mark has in any case gained a strong foothold in Finland.

Now the Finnish insurance company Sampo Group comprising of a P&C insurance company and a life insurance company has revived the old Mandatum -brand. The insurance company branch of the group, formerly known as Henki-Sampo, now functions under the marketing name Mandatum Life.

This may clarify the situation for the public somewhat, as there now is one less mark bearing the “Sampo” component on the market for services in the International Class 36. The clarity is not that of a crystal, however. There is Sampo plc, Sampo Group’s parent company, which owns and administers the insurance subsidiaries, as well as manages an investment portfolio. There also is Sampo Bank, which Sampo Group sold to Danske Bank a few years ago together with the Mandatum -brand, but which brand Sampo Group acquired back just this spring. Sampo Bank in turn still sells Mandatum Life’s (formerly Henki-Sampo’s) life insurance products under the names of Sampo Group’s own products.

For more information on:

the magical mill visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sampo;

Sampo Bank visit www.sampopankki.fi;

Sampo Group visit www.sampo.fi; and

Mandatum Life you can still click www.henki-sampo.fi.