Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) has agreed to sell its 26% stake in SBI General Insurance for $640 million, bringing to an end its joint venture with the State Bank of India.
Who Is IAG?
Insurance Australia Group is Australia’s largest insurance business, its direct heritage dating back to 1920. IAG’s businesses underwrite over $11.4 billion of premium per annum, selling insurance under many brands, including: NRMA Insurance, CGU, SGIO, SGIC, Swann Insurance and WFI (Australia); and NZI, State, AMI and Lumley Insurance (New Zealand).
Sale To Boost Net Profit
IAG has reached agreements with two separate entities to purchase its 26% stake in SBI General. Napean Opportunities will acquire a 16.01% interest whilst an affiliate of private equity firm Warburg Pincus will acquire the remaining 9.99% interest.
Based on the current exchange rate, the total consideration amounts to just over $640 million and will result in an increase in IAG’s net profit after tax (NPAT) of over $300 million. This amount will be recognised in the company’s FY20 results.
Management Commentary
Commenting on the sale, IAG CEO Peter Harmer said: “IAG has enjoyed a strong and successful relationship with the State Bank of India since establishing the SBI General joint venture in 2009. With our sharpened focus on our core territories of Australia and New Zealand, now is the right time for IAG to exit its investment in SBI General,”.
The transactions are expected to be finalised during the current financial year, pending regulatory approvals.
What Now?
IAG shares may be a solid option for dividend hungry investors with its shares trading on a healthy dividend yield of just over 4%.
Shares in IAG opened marginally higher this morning and are currently up 0.76% to $8.01 at the time of publishing.
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At the time of publishing, Luke has no financial interest in any companies mentioned.
