31 Overview of Americas Aegon USA Organizational structure Aegon USA Aegon Canada Aegon Brazil Aegon Mexico Aegon Americas comprises Aegon USA, Aegon Canada and the operations in  Brazil and Mexico. Aegon USA is one of the leading life 1  insurance organizations  in the United States and the largest of Aegon’s operating  units. Aegon USA administers millions of policies and employs  approximately 11,000 people. Many of the Aegon USA  companies operate under the Transamerica brand, one of the  best known names 2  in the United States insurance business.  Aegon USA companies have existed since the mid-19th century.  Aegon USA’s main offices are in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and  Baltimore, Maryland, with affiliated companies’ offices located  throughout the United States. Aegon USA was founded in 1989 when Aegon brought all of  its operating companies in the United States under a single  financial services holding company, AEGON USA, LLC. Business  is conducted through its subsidiaries. The use of the term  “Aegon USA” throughout this document refers to the operating  subsidiaries in the United States, through which Aegon USA  conducts business. Aegon USA has operating licenses in every US  state, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin  Islands, and Guam. Aegon USA’s primary insurance subsidiaries are: Through these subsidiaries and affiliated companies, Aegon  USA provides a wide range of life insurance, pensions, long-term  savings and investment products. Like other Aegon companies, Aegon USA uses a variety of  distribution channels to help customers access its products as  best suits their needs. Aegon USA has long-standing relations  with banks across the United States, and also distributes  products and services through agents, broker-dealers, Registered  Representatives, the Internet, and direct and worksite marketing. Aegon's subsidiary companies in the United States contain three  divisions acting through one or more of the Aegon USA life  insurance companies: Based in Toronto, Aegon Canada offers a range of insurance  products and financial services, primarily through its  Transamerica Life Canada and Canadian Premier Life subsidiaries.  At December 31, 2013, Aegon Canada had approximately  657 employees. These divisions, described in further detail below, represent  groups of products that are sold through Aegon USA’s operating  companies through distribution methods and sales channels. The  business structure is designed to enable Aegon USA to manage  and improve the efficiency of the organization and operating  processes, identify business synergies, and pursue cross-selling  opportunities. Coordinated support services complement  operations by providing functional support in systems  technology, investment management, regulatory compliance, and  various corporate functions. Products are also offered and  distributed through one or more of the Aegon USA licensed  insurance or brokerage subsidiary companies. In 2009, Aegon acquired a 50% interest in Mongeral Aegon  Seguros e Previdência S.A., Brazil’s sixth largest independent (i.e.  non-bank affiliated) life insurer. At December 31, 2013, Aegon  Brazil had approximately 444 employees. In 2006, Aegon acquired a 49% interest in Seguros Argos  S.A. de C.V., a Mexican life insurance company. At December  31, 2013, Aegon Mexico had approximately 84 employees.  In December 2013, Aegon entered into a joint venture with  Adminstradora Akaan S.A. de C.V. to create Akaan-Aegon  S.A.P.I. de C.V. to explore financial service opportunities. This  organization will initially focus on third party asset management. ■ Transamerica Life Insurance Company; ■ Transamerica Financial Life Insurance Company; ■ Transamerica Advisors Life Insurance Company; ■ Transamerica Advisors Life Insurance Company of New York; ■ Monumental Life Insurance Company; ■ Stonebridge Life Insurance Company; ■ Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company; ■ Western Reserve Life Assurance Co. of Ohio. ■ Life & Protection; ■ Individual Savings & Retirement; ■ Employer Solutions & Pensions. 1 Source: LIMRA. 2 Source: Brand Power Analysis.