Principal to Acquire MetLife Afore in Mexico
Today, Principal Financial Group® announced it has signed an agreement to acquire full ownership of MetLife Afore, S.A. de C.V.
(“MetLife Afore”), MetLife, Inc.’s pension fund management business in Mexico, subject to regulatory approval. With nearly 25 years
in Mexico, Principal is committed to growing across its mandatory pension, voluntary long-term savings, and mutual funds
businesses.
“As the middle class in emerging markets continues to grow, there is increasing demand for long-term retirement and investing
products that enable individuals to retire with the highest pension possible,” said Roberto Walker, president of Principal
International in Latin America. “This acquisition strengthens our commitment to Mexico’s pension market.”
By integrating MetLife Afore into Principal Afore, S.A. de C.V. (“Principal Afore”), Principal will gain additional scale, a
larger distribution network and the capacity to better support its customers in Mexico with innovative advice and customized tools
that help them achieve their retirement goals. After closing, Principal Afore will be the fifth largest pension provider in Mexico
in terms of assets under management.
“This acquisition demonstrates our continued commitment to invest in Mexico,” said Jose Antonio Llaneza, country head for
Principal Mexico. “Our focus remains on providing superior performance and counsel, while helping to educate people on the
importance of increasing their contribution rate to their pension accounts.”
The purchase agreement between Principal and MetLife will be reviewed by Mexican regulatory authorities before closing, which is
anticipated during the first quarter of 2018.
“The divestiture of MetLife Afore will allow us to enhance our focus on growing our leading insurance business in Mexico, where
we are the number one provider of life insurance,” said Oscar Schmidt, executive vice president and head of MetLife’s Latin America
region. “We are confident that Principal will provide our Afore clients in Mexico with access to quality resources and capabilities
to help them achieve their retirement goals.”
BNP Paribas Securities Corp. and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC served as financial advisors on the transaction to Principal
and MetLife, respectively. White & Case LLP served as legal counsel for Principal and Nader, Hayaux y Goebel, S.C. for
MetLife.
About Principal®
Principal helps people and companies around the world build, protect and advance their financial well-being through retirement,
insurance and asset management solutions that fit their lives. Our employees are passionate about helping clients of all income and
portfolio sizes achieve their goals — offering innovative ideas, investment expertise and real-life solutions to make financial
progress possible. To find out more, visit us at principal.com.
About MetLife
MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates (“MetLife”), is one of the world’s leading financial services
companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help its individual and institutional
customers navigate their changing world. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 countries and holds leading market
positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.
Principal, Principal and symbol design and Principal Financial Group are trademarks and service marks of Principal Financial
Services, Inc, a member of the Principal Financial Group.
Principal Media Contact
Jane Slusark, 515-362-0482
Slusark.jane@principal.com
or
Principal Investor Relations
John Egan, 515-235-9500
Egan.John@principal.com
or
MetLife Media Contact
Leigh Manganaro, 973-355-4727
lmanganaro@metlife.com
or
MetLife Investor Relations
John Hall, 212-578-7888
john.a.hall@metlife.com
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