- Aegon NV (NYSE: AEG) said a smaller rival, ASR, would buy the company's Dutch insurance operations.
- Aegon will receive €2.5 billion in gross cash proceeds and a 29.99% strategic stake in ASR with associated governance rights.
- The value of the 29.99% stake is €2.4 billion.
- The combination will result in a well-diversified solid Dutch insurance company.
- The companies said the combined company would be the largest in the Dutch disability insurance sector and the number three in property and casualty insurance, as well as taking a "leading" position in pensions.
- The companies expect the deal to close in the second half of 2023.
- The transaction enables Aegon to accelerate its strategy of releasing capital from mature businesses and to become a leader in markets where Aegon is well-positioned for growth.
- Progress on its transformation allows Aegon to increase its 2023 dividend per share target from around €0.25 to around €0.30
- Price Action: AEG shares are up 6.71% at $4.61 during the premarket session on the last check Thursday.