Articles by Manuel Baigorri

FWD to Buy Majority Stake in Malaysian Insurer Ahead of Planned IPO

FWD Group Holdings Ltd., the pan-Asian insurance company owned by Hong Kong billionaire Richard Li, has agreed to buy a majority stake in Gibraltar BSN Life Bhd., a move that allows it to tap into the Southeast Asian market’s growth …

India’s Kotak Mahindra Bank Weighs Sale of Stake in General Insurance Unit: Sources

Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd., backed by billionaire Uday Kotak, is considering selling a minority stake in its general insurance unit, according to people familiar with the matter. The lender is working with an adviser on the potential sale of a …

Zurich Insurance Emerges as Front-Runner to Buy MetLife’s Malaysia Business

Zurich Insurance Group AG has emerged as the front-runner to buy a majority stake in the Malaysian insurance business of US insurer MetLife Inc. and Kuala Lumpur-listed AMMB Holdings Bhd., according to people with knowledge of the matter. A deal …

Generali Plans Sale of €20B Italian Life Portfolio, Aiming to Improve Profits: Sources

Assicurazioni Generali SpA is planning to sell a roughly €20 billion ($21 billion) Italian life insurance portfolio as part of a plan to improve profitability, people familiar with the matter said. The Italian insurer, which has been working with an …

China’s Fosun Weighs Options for Hong Kong-Based Peak Re: Sources

Fosun International Ltd. is weighing strategic options for its Hong Kong-based Peak Reinsurance Co. as the Chinese conglomerate looks to pay down debt, according to people familiar with the matter. Fosun is working with a financial adviser as it considers …

Hong Kong Insurer AIA in Talks to Buy Philippine’s MediCard: Sources

AIA Group Ltd. is in advanced talks to acquire MediCard Philippines Inc., people familiar with the matter said, as the insurance giant seeks to boost its presence in Southeast Asia. AIA and MediCard are finalizing the details of a transaction …

Chubb in Advanced Bancassurance Talks With Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Bank: Sources

Chubb Ltd. is in advanced talks to form an insurance partnership with Hang Seng Bank Ltd., a Hong Kong-based lender majority owned by HSBC Holdings Plc, according to people familiar with the matter. The parties are hammering out the details …

Hong Kong Insurer FWD Refiles Application for Hong Kong IPO, Eyeing 2023 Listing

FWD Group Holdings Ltd., the Asian insurer backed by billionaire Richard Li, has refiled an application for a Hong Kong initial public offering as it now weighs a listing next year amid market volatility. The renewed filing will grant more …

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Bank Seeks New Bancassurance Partner After QBE Deal Expires

Hang Seng Bank Ltd., a Hong Kong-based lender majority owned by HSBC Holdings Plc, is seeking an insurance partner after its existing agreement with Australia’s QBE Insurance Group Ltd. expired, according to people familiar with the matter. Hang Seng Bank …

Allianz Weighs Sale of Stake in Saudi Arabia Unit

Allianz SE is considering a sale of its Saudi Arabian unit, people familiar with the matter said, a move that would help the German insurer streamline its portfolio and raise cash. The German insurer is working with an adviser on …