Allianz to Buy Majority Stake in Singapore’s Income Insurance
German financial services major Allianz, through its wholly owned subsidiary Allianz Europe B.V., on Wednesday announced a pre-conditional voluntary cash general offer to acquire at least 51% of the shares in leading Singapore insurer Income Insurance, subject to regulatory approval.
Income Insurance is deeply rooted in its home market, is a trusted household name and serves approximately 2 million policyholders with a full range of Property-Casualty, Health and Life products distributed via agents and financial advisors as well as through bancassurance and direct channels.
Allianz intends to offer $30.26 per share for a total transaction value of approximately $1.64 billion for 51% of the shares in Income Insurance.
Allianz said that the deal will turn it into the fourth-largest composite insurer in Asia, up from ninth previously, adding a household name in Singapore that distributes a full range of life and non-life products.
The company’s CEO Oliver Baete, who is expected to outline new financial targets for Allianz later this year, has focused on smaller takeovers to streamline operations while returning excess capital to shareholders.
This majority stake is expected to elevate Allianz’s presence in the fast-growing and attractive Singapore insurance market and establishes the company as one of the largest composite insurers in Asia. Singapore is a leading global financial hub, supported by rapid wealth growth and a strong regulatory environment.
The acquisition leverages Allianz’s capabilities in underwriting, product development, and data analytics with Income Insurance’s impressive market reach and strengths in distribution, partnerships, and people.
Asia-Pacific is a strategically important growth region for Allianz, having generated almost $8.4 billion in total business volume across its Property-Casualty and Life/Health businesses in 2023, the company said.
Allianz to Stay on Top
The integration of the businesses would result in top positions for Allianz in all segments – Property & Casualty, health, and Life – in Singapore. It would also position Allianz to realise significant synergy and capital optimisation potential.
The transaction, which is likely to generate a double-digit Return on Investment (RoI) for Allianz in the mid-term, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024 or in the first quarter of 2025.
Renate Wagner, Member of the Board of Management of Allianz and responsible for the Asia-Pacific region, said that they were looking forward to partnering with Income Insurance, a leading insurer that shares Allianz’s values and commitment to customer excellence.
“This proposed transaction brings two strong businesses together for the benefit of Singapore’s customers and solidifies Allianz’s leadership position in the region,” Wagner added.