Australian Unity is in talks with Big Sky Credit Union over a possible merger that would provide a fresh start for the former in developing a niche banking business to complement its investment management and health insurance operations.A mutual with friendly society roots, Australian Unity has controlled Lifeplan Australia Building Society for many years but has made little effort made to develop the business.Big Sky is a classic industrial credit union whose origins lie in serving the staff and families of BHP. Over the years, it has amalgamated with credit unions serving employees of BP oil refineries, and with the workforce of General Motors in Australia. It has also followed BHP to mining centres and ports such as Roxby Downs and Port Headland.Big Sky reported assets of A$465 million and net assets of $38 million at June 2010, whileLifeplan reported assets of $87 million and net assets of $5 million. Australian Unity had assets of $3 billion and net assets of $365 million at June 2010. Big Sky has 30,000 members and Australian Unity 280,000 members.