Allianz Life(R) Acquires Questar Capital Corporation.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life(R)) announced today that it has acquired Questar Capital Corporation, a national securities broker/dealer and registered investment advisor based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Allianz Life broker/dealer revenues are expected to more than double as a result of this acquisition.

Founded in 1997, Questar is registered with the NASD to solicit securities products in all 50 states as a broker/dealer, licensed to solicit insurance products in 36 states as an insurance agency, and registered in 30 states as a registered investment advisor. Questar has 31 Ann Arbor-based employees and works with over 400 securities professionals around the country.

"The acquisition of Questar will not only enhance our existing broker/dealer business, but is a major step for Allianz Life in our continued efforts to build our retail distribution channels," said Mark Zesbaugh, president and CEO of Allianz Life. "We have a strong and unwavering commitment to be one of the top 10 broker/dealers in the country by 2010. We believe this acquisition will set us on the right course in reaching that goal."

"Allianz Life is the ideal partner for Questar," said Robert Boone, CEO of Questar. "We were looking for a strategic partner that not only had the desire to grow, but one that shared a similar culture and a common set of goals in working with the independent market. Their practice management initiatives along with their desire to provide the highest level of customer service aligned nicely with our overall business philosophy."

The four principals of Questar - Robert Boone, Scott Chimner, John Gakenheimer, and Jason Kavanaugh - will all join Allianz Life in either senior management or consultant roles for the broker/dealer. Allianz Life will also benefit from this acquisition through the addition of Questar's Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) platform. In addition, both companies already utilize Pershing for clearing services.

"The addition of Robert, Scott, John, and Jason to the Allianz Life senior leadership team will increase our competencies in many areas," said Lynn Tyson, president of Allianz Life's retail securities division. "They bring numerous years experience to the table and it is our hope that they will help us grow into one of the top broker/dealers in the country."

The acquisition of Questar's Registered Investment Advisor platform will help Allianz Life expand its broker/dealer services. Enhancements will include: fee-based financial planning services, over 30 new fee-based/wrap fee programs, and asset management programs that utilize a variety of screening tools and asset allocation methodologies.

"This is an opportunity for us to grow our business," continued Tyson. "We now have the tools to offer our clients total wealth management. Add in Allianz Life's product innovation and superior customer service, and we are in great position to make our mark in the broker/dealer world."

About Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America

Founded in 1896 and based in Minneapolis, Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America is a leading provider of fixed and variable annuities, life insurance policies and long term care insurance products in the U.S. Allianz Life is also a major provider of health excess of loss insurance products. Allianz Life is one of the primary companies of the Allianz Group - the 14th largest corporation in the world based on revenue (Fortune, August 2005). Today, Allianz is a corporate group with more than 250 companies engaged in operational activities under the umbrella of Allianz Holding, and employs 162,000 people worldwide.