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AMERICAN
International Group (AIG) said on Friday it would
refocus the company on its core property and casualty
insurance businesses, and generate sufficient liquidity
to repay the outstanding balance of its loan from the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York and address its capital
structure.
In a
statement, the company said it is exploring divestiture
opportunities for its remaining high-quality businesses
and assets. AIG Consumer Finance Group Inc. and its
subsidiaries and affiliates, such as Philippines-based
AIG PhilAm Savings Bank, fall within this category.
AIG
PhilAm is 45 percent owned by AIG Consumer Finance Group
and 45 percent owned by Philamlife, the largest and most
profitable insurance company in the Philippines and a
recognized market leader for many years.
AIG’s
decision to divest is not a reflection of their
subsidiaries’ business or historical performance. AIG’s
subsidiaries in the Philippines remain financially
strong and comply with local regulatory capital
requirements. AIG Philam is one of AIG and Philamlife’s
profitable affiliates with substantial value.
AIG will
proceed to divest by favoring brand name, highly rated,
financially strong acquirers for its successful
businesses.
AIG said
in the statement, “We expect that buyers will recognize
the value of these properties, be a good strategic fit
and offer the greatest potential for growth,
profitability and continuing opportunities for
employees. Decisions of this sort will be made quickly
and carefully.”
Joven
Reyes, president and CEO of AIG Philam emphasized that
any sale will not have an impact on customers’ deposits
or investments in AIG Philam.
The
Philippine-based unit is ready to meet depositor’s
entitlements to funds and meet its other obligations to
its creditors, merchant partners, sales agencies,
service providers and business partners as they come
due.
He added
in the statement that AIG Philam will adopt a reasonable
timeline to complete the sale, to ensure the best
outcome for the bank and its shareholders, as well as
business partners, suppliers, and most important,
depositors and investors. |