18 Jun 2002
Prudential plc to acquire ING’s life operation in the Philippines
Prudential plc (“Prudential”) announced today that it has signed a sale and purchase agreement to acquire ING's wholly owned Philippine life insurance subsidiary, ING Life Insurance Co. (Phils.) Inc. The deal is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to complete in the third quarter of 2002. The net assets being acquired by Prudential are £1.5m as at 31 March 2002.
ING established its life operation in the Philippines in 1997 and has 17 sales offices covering most major cities. Its products are primarily traditional life insurance (endowments, whole life and term policies) and it has 800 agents, 10,000 policyholders and 100 staff. While it has built a sound life business in the Philippines, ING is now intending to focus on its other life markets.
ING Life Philippines will be merged with Prudential's existing successful and rapidly growing Philippine business, PRU Life UK. This acquisition continues Prudential's planned and focused expansion strategy in Asia.
Dan Bardin, Prudential Corporation Asia's Managing Director, South Asia, commented: “This is a great opportunity for us as ING and Prudential have similar cultures with highly motivated staff and agents, innovative products and superior customer service. Combining these businesses will enable us to accelerate our pace of growth in the Philippine market."
Mark Tucker, Chief Executive of Prudential Corporation Asia, added: "Prudential is a great believer in the tremendous potential of the Asian retail financial services markets. This acquisition is another sign of our ongoing commitment to the Philippines".
ENDS
Enquiries to:
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Investors/Analysts: |
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| Geraldine Davies |
020 7548 3911 |
Rebecca Burrows |
020 7548 3537 |
| Steve Colton |
020 7548 3721 |
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| Clare Staley |
020 7548 3719 |
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Notes to Editors:
- Prudential now has life operations in 12 countries across Asia combined with a rapidly expanding mutual fund presence. Prudential was first established in Asia in 1923 and is currently the UK's largest life insurance company, with US$20 billion funds under management, in the region.
- Alongside its wholly owned operations in Asia, Prudential has formed successful joint venture partnerships and strategic alliances with some of the region's leading financial institutions including CITIC (China International Trust and Investment Corporation), India's ICICI, Bank of China and Standard Chartered Bank.
- PRU LIFE UK was established in 1996 and has 12 offices in major cities and 55 branches in 27 locations across the Philippines. In 2001 it was the fastest growing life insurer registering 63 per cent growth and now ranks fourth in the Philippine market based on first year premium income for ordinary life business.