Hibernian Group, Canada Life and Irish Progressive all reported sales growth in 1996, with an emphasis on pension products.

Hibernian, the largest of the three, enjoyed a 9 per cent increase in its life assurance and pensions business, annual premium sales last year. However, it trailed its rivals in the lump sum investments market, because of a decision to stay out of tracker bonds, the company said yesterday.

Chief executive Mr Adrian Daly said Hibernian continued to concentrate on pension business, which at £7.8 million was up 20 per cent on the previous year.

Life assurance declined slightly to £2.28 million, compared to £7.39 million in 1995, reflecting the company's decision not to participate in the trackerbond market, he said. Page 2