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Buyout specialist Resolution Group is reported to have arranged potential financing of up to £5 billion from Royal Bank of Scotland and Royal Bank of Canada in relation to a potential offer for Prudential’s UK operations. This is something which appeared in the press over the weekend and while Prudential has made no official comment it is believed that a deal had been discussed in the past but the two parties were unable to agree on a price.

A sale of Prudential’s UK operation would end over 100 years of business in the UK for Prudential and likely attract the interest of the government which is adamant that UK businesses need protection. While Resolution Group is the only name in the frame at the moment it is unlikely to be the only potential bidder if Prudential does decide to go ahead with the sale.

The potential sale of the UK business is part of the larger picture which could see Prudential acquire AIG’s Asian life insurance businesses for around $35 billion. However, there have also been rumours of a potential bid for Prudential itself which would certainly open the door to a number of counter offers.

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