Shares in M&G surged more than 6% Friday, reaching their highest level in over a year, after the British financial group announced a long-term partnership with Japanese insurer Dai-ichi Life.
As part of the deal, Dai-ichi Life will acquire a 15% stake in M&G, making it the company’s largest single shareholder.
The move allows the Japanese firm to appoint a director to M&G’s board as long as it retains that level of ownership.
The tie-up is expected to generate at least $6 billion in new business flows for M&G over the next five years.
Roughly half of that will come from Dai-ichi Life’s balance sheet, while the rest will arise from joint initiatives, including the distribution of M&G products in Japan and Asia.
In return, Dai-ichi Life expects to see at least $2 billion in new business from the partnership.
Strategic expansion amid industry-wide pressure to scale
M&G will become Dai-ichi Life’s preferred asset management partner in Europe, positioning the British group to expand its presence in European private markets while opening channels across Asia.
Both firms will also explore opportunities to co-develop products and co-invest in new asset management capabilities, reflecting the growing trend of strategic collaboration in the sector.
Asset management companies around the world have increasingly looked to consolidate or form alliances to scale up and compete more effectively against industry giants like BlackRock and Vanguard.
Active managers like M&G, in particular, have faced headwinds from inflation and the growing appeal of passive investment vehicles, which charge lower fees.
Andrea Rossi, M&G’s chief executive, said the partnership validates the firm’s strategic direction and reflects confidence in its long-term potential.
He added that the deal will support growth in core areas while granting M&G deeper access to Asian markets.
Japanese insurers increase global footprint
This deal continues a pattern of outbound investment by Japanese financial institutions seeking diversification and growth.
Earlier this year, Dai-ichi Life boosted its stake in UK-based Capula Investment Management and agreed to take a 15.1% interest in Australia’s Challenger.
Japanese peers have also pursued international collaborations, including Legal & General’s tie-up with Meiji Yasuda and DWS’s ongoing discussions with Nippon Life regarding a joint venture in India.
M&G was previously linked to a potential acquisition by Australia’s Macquarie, though it dismissed the speculation.
The firm reported a better-than-expected annual profit in March, supported by cost-cutting efforts and growth in asset management.
FTSE 100 inches toward record high
The news gave fresh momentum to the FTSE 100, which is now up 7.1% for the year, aided by a 3.4% average dividend yield.
According to Interactive Investor’s Richard Hunter, the index is just 1.4% below its record high, a level that could prompt further buying and sustain the rally.
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