Nippon Life has completed the acqusition of 80% of the life insurance business of National Australia Bank (NAB) for AU$2.4 billion, it has been announced.

NAB retains ownership of 20% of the new life insurance business and will retain full ownership of the existing investments business including superannuation, platforms, advice and asset management, the bank said in a statement.

“This is a significant and important transaction, marking the end of the Group’s major divestments – enabling us to totally focus on our core business in Australia and New Zealand, to deliver improved returns to shareholders and our mission to become the most respected bank in these markets,” NAB Group CEO, Andrew Thorburn said.

As part of the deal, the bank has also agreed a 20-year distribution deal with Nippon Life to provide life products through NAB owned and aligned distribution networks.

The bank also announced changes to the board of MLC Limited, the entity which operates MLC Life Insurance, with former Australian ambassador to Japan, Peter Grey, appointed chairman.

Andrew Cornish will also join the board as an independent board member whilst Hiroyuki Nishi and Toshihiro Nakasima will become non-executive directors as Sandra Birkensleigh, David Hackett and Andrew Hagger will remain on the board.


Related stories:
Nippon Life to launch first fertility treatment insurance in Japan
Japan’s Dai-ichi Life to invest US$80m in India joint venture