Applicant
AIA International Limited
Case number(s)
201810014
Decision date
Type
Decision

Decision

 

Consent Granted
Section 13(1)(a) Overseas Investment Act 2005

Decision Maker

Overseas Investment Office

Decision Date

7 June 2018

Investment

An overseas investment in significant business assets, being the Applicant's acquisition of rights or interests in 100% of the shares in ASB Group (Life) Limited, the consideration of which exceeds $100 million and the value of the assets exceeds $100 million.

Consideration

The gross consideration payable for both the Investment and the separate acquisition of rights or interests in 100% of the shares in The Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited is AUD3,800,000,000 (subject to certain adjustments at completion).

Applicant

AIA International Limited
The ultimate beneficial ownership of AIA International Limited’s shares as at 30 September 2017:
Various overseas persons (77.83%)
JPMorgan Chase & Co., United States of America (9.01%)
The Capital Group Companies, Inc, United States of America (8.15%)
BlackRock, Inc, United States of America (5.01%)

Vendor

Commonwealth Insurance Holdings Limited
Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Australia (100%)

Background

AIA Group Limited, the Applicant’s parent company, is a large life insurance business that operates in the Asia-Pacific region.

As part of exiting its New Zealand and Australian life insurance businesses, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia undertook a competitive sales process for which the Applicant was the successful bidder.

The Applicant has satisfied the OIO that the individuals who will control the investment have the relevant business experience and acumen and are of good character. The Applicant has also demonstrated financial commitment to the investment.

More information

Christopher Goddard
Bell Gully
PO Box 4199
AUCKLAND 1140