Following intense speculation in the markets in recent days, CEO Mark Tucker confirmed on Tuesday: "We are of course monitoring closely AIG's disposal program and considering what, if any, opportunities may arise that would create additional value for our shareholders."
On a media conference call, Tucker declined to comment further on its interest, saying that the AIG auction was only a few weeks old. Nor would he be drawn on which parts of AIG's Asian assets he was interested in.
Asked if a capital raising would be needed to finance a bid, Tucker said it was "much too early to say what opportunities might arise, let alone what financing might be needed." News outlets had reported that Prudential was in talks with sovereign wealth funds in Asia and the Middle East about the sale of a 20% stake in the group. - Neil Sen
