Prudential plc to Demerge M&G Prudential from Prudential plc

Prudential plc announced its intention to demerge its UK & Europe business (‘M&G Prudential’) from Prudential plc, resulting in two separately-listed companies with different investment characteristics and opportunities. On completion of the demerger, shareholders will hold interests in both Prudential plc and M&G Prudential.

 

M&G Prudential is one of the leading retirement and savings businesses in the UK and Europe, offering compelling product propositions through its range of investment solutions provided by M&G and PruFund. As a standalone entity, M&G Prudential will be led by its current Chief Executive John Foley and will continue its transformation into a more capital-efficient and customer-focused business, targeting growing demand for comprehensive financial solutions. M&G Prudential remains on track to deliver its previously announced cost savings target.

 

In line with this strategy to transition towards a more capital efficient, de-risked business model, M&G Prudential also announced the sale of £12.0B of its shareholder annuity portfolio to Rothesay Life. Under the terms of the agreement, M&G Prudential has reinsured £12.0 billion of liabilities to Rothesay Life, which is expected to be followed by a Part VII transfer of the portfolio by the end of 2019. The capital benefit of this transaction will be retained within the Group to support the demerger process.

 

Prudential plc will combine the exciting growth potential of its Asia, US and Africa businesses and will be led by its current Group Chief Executive Mike Wells. The Asia pan-regional life and asset management business is well-positioned to meet the savings and protection needs of a growing and increasingly wealthy population, through top three positions in nine out of twelve life markets, and through Eastspring’s established presence in ten Asian countries. Jackson is one of the largest providers of retirement solutions in the US, delivering income security to increasing numbers of baby boomer retirees. In Africa, Prudential has established operations in five countries since 2014, with a substantial opportunity to serve the rapidly expanding customer demand for long term financial solutions. These businesses represent a leading international insurance and asset management group focused on the markets that offer the most attractive growth opportunities globally. They will be better able to develop their existing market leadership positions, with the strategic benefits of collective scale, shared capabilities and complementary products and customers.

 

“The decision to demerge M&G Prudential follows a rigorous review by the Board which considered all options, including the status quo, and concluded that it is in the best interest of the Group to operate as two separately-listed companies, able to focus on their distinct strategic priorities in their chosen geographies. Both are expected to meet the criteria for inclusion in the FTSE 100 index” – Chairman of Prudential plc, Paul Manduca.

 

“Our businesses share common heritage, values and purpose. Looking forward, we believe we will be better able to focus on meeting our customers’ rapidly evolving needs and to deliver long-term value to investors as two separate businesses. Following separation, M&G Prudential will have more control over its business strategy and capital allocation. This will enable it to play a greater role in developing the savings and retirement markets in the UK and Europe through two of the financial sector’s most trusted brands, while Prudential plc will be able to focus on the attractive returns and growth potential of its market-leading businesses in Asia and the US” – Group Chief Executive, Mike Wells.