AXA Germany has reached an agreement to sell a portfolio of life and pensions insurance reserves worth €16 billion.
AXA will sell the portfolio to Athora Germany for a consideration of EUR660 million.
AXA noted that the portfolio has been closed to new business since 2013 and is mainly composed of traditional savings policies, with an average guaranteed rate of 3.2%.
At the same time, the reduction of guarantees on AXA’s balance sheet resulting from the sale will further diminish the Group’s exposure to financial market risk.
The sale of this portfolio marks an important milestone in the journey to optimize our Life & Savings in-force portfolios across the Group.
Upon completion of this transaction, we will have secured Euro 24 billion out of the Euro 30-50 billion target reduction in traditional G/A reserves that we set for the Group.
Frederic de Courtois, AXA Group Deputy CEO
The transaction is expected to close at the end of next year, subject to closing conditions.
Prior to the closing of the transaction, AXA Germany will transfer the portfolio and its associated balance sheet to a well-capitalised company which will be acquired by Athora Germany and integrated under the Athora brand.
Both Athora Germany and AXA Germany will also sign extensive service agreements for the five-year transition period during which the portfolio will gradually migrate to Athora. As part of the transaction, AXA will also enter into an agreement to provide asset management services to Athora Germany until 2028.
The transaction will be transformational for Athora in Germany which entered the market in 2015 and has since built a strong reputation for itself in delivering market leading results for customers.
by Yana Keller
