Buyers queue for AIG's Manila unit, sale not final yet

Mon Sep 29, 2008 3:51am EDT
 
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MANILA, Sept 29 (Reuters) - The Philippine unit of American International Group (AIG) (AIG.N), the country's biggest insurance company, has received takeover offers from several groups, including the Yuchengco business clan, a top company official said on Monday.

"It's only the Yuchengcos that have come out in public," Jose Cuisia, president and chief executive of AIG unit Philippine American Life and General Insurance Co (Philamlife) told reporters.

"They have expressed interest like others have also expressed interest."

The Yuchengcos own the country's sixth largest listed bank, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp (RCB.PS), and unlisted insurer Malayan Insurance Co Inc.

RCBC could not be reached for comment.

"I cannot disclose that, they have indicated it in private," Cuisia said when asked about the other interested buyers of Philamlife.

He said however that AIG had not finalised any decision on what it would do with its Philippine unit, which has total assets of 170 billion pesos ($3.6 billion). Philamlife also has interests in banking, asset management and outsourcing.

AIG, which was thrown an $85 billion lifeline loan by the U.S. Federal Reserve earlier this month, plans to sell more than 15 businesses, including its aircraft leasing unit, to repay its loan, the Financial Times reported on Sunday.

AIG, once the world's most valuable insurer, would likely make an announcement on its assets sales on Oct. 3, Cuisia said.

AIG chairman and chief executive Edward Liddy is set to host a conference call for the investment community on Friday, where he is expected to give an update on AIG's future direction. ($1 = 46.9 pesos) (Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by Louise Heavens)

 

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