国际英语新闻：MetLife to acquire life insurance unit from AIG for $15.5 bln

NEW YORK, March 8 (Xinhua) -- MetLife Inc. is to acquire American International Group's (AIG's) overseas life and health insurance unit for 15.5 billion U.S. dollars, the company said Monday.

The acquisition of American Life Insurance Company (ALICO) will cost MetLife some 6.8 billion dollars in cash and another 8.7 billion dollars in equity securities, MetLife said in a statement.

ALICO has been one of the world's largest and most diversified international life insurance companies, the acquisition of which will accelerate MetLife's global strategy, MetLife added.

Photo taken on March 8, 2010 shows the building of MetLife Inc. in New York, the United States. MetLife Inc. is to acquire American International Group's (AIG's) overseas life and health insurance unit for 15.5 billion U.S. dollars, the company said Monday. ALICO (American Life Insurance) has been one of the world's largest and most diversified international life insurance companies, the acquisition of which will accelerate MetLife's global strategy, MetLife added

Upon completing the deal, MetLife, which is already the largest life insurer in the United States and Mexico, is expected to strengthen its position in Japan, Europe and some emerging markets in Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Latin America.

The acquisition of ALICO has been approved by boards of directors of both MetLife and AIG, and is expected to close by the end of 2010.

Founded in 1921, ALICO is a leading international life insurer that operates in more than 50 countries, providing consumers and businesses with products and services for life insurance, accident and health insurance, retirement and wealth management solutions.