Geffen: 'Inconceivable' Pru can push on from here

clock

Prudential nemesis Robin Geffen says it is "inconceivable" the insurer can push on with its plan to acquire AIA after failing to lower the price of the deal.

Pru's proposed deal to acquire AIA appears doomed today after AIG refused its revised offer of $30.375bn. After days of last-minute negotiations to lower the price, AIA owner AIG this morning announced it will not alter the terms of the original $35.5bn deal. Pru is now highly unlikely to achieve shareholder approval for the deal. The board of Prudential says it is now considering its position. Geffen, who began the Prudential Action Group in a bid to scupper the deal, had previously stated a cut-price offer of $30bn still may not be good enough to get the green light from shareholder...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on UK

Phillip Wickenden: The Budget before the Budget
UK

Phillip Wickenden: The Budget before the Budget

America’s $40trn debt milestone is already narrowing the choices available in Britain’s October Budget. Advisers should watch how that pressure travels from the bond market into mortgages, tax and client plans, writes Phillip Wickenden.

Phillip Wickenden
clock 26 August 2026 • 5 min read
Why Andy Burnham must harness the power of long-term policy to give investors confidence
UK

Why Andy Burnham must harness the power of long-term policy to give investors confidence

'It’s fair to say it's been far livelier in Westminster this summer than usual'

James Alexander
clock 06 August 2026 • 4 min read
Healey chancellor appointment risks prompting defence spending fears in bond market
UK

Healey chancellor appointment risks prompting defence spending fears in bond market

Fresh questions for investors in UK assets

Alex Sebastian
clock 22 July 2026 • 4 min read