Global giant Allianz to buy Janashakthi General Insurance for Rs. 16.4 b in mega deal

Global financial services leader Allianz yesterday announced that it has entered into an agreement with Janashakthi Insurance PLC (JINS) to acquire 100% of its subsidiary Janashakthi General Insurance Limited (JGIL) for Rs. 16.4 billion (EUR 85.9 million).

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2018. The consideration represents a multiple of 2.2x JGIL’s adjusted net asset value in 2017. This transaction also represents one of the largest investments into Sri Lanka, demonstrating Allianz’s confidence in this market.

This acquisition also makes Allianz Insurance Lanka (Allianz Lanka) one of the country’s largest general insurers, with a market share of approximately 20%.

Allianz’s Regional CEO for Asia Pacific George Sartorel said: “This transaction provides a highly attractive opportunity to transform our market presence in Sri Lanka, while accelerating our growth agenda in the Asia Pacific region. We are greatly impressed with the JGIL team, and believe the expanded business provides a strong foundation from which to drive continued innovation and excellence for our customers.”

Allianz Insurance Lanka Managing Director Surekha Alles said: “We’re excited about our future ahead, and look forward to welcoming Janashakthi customers and employees to the Allianz family. Together, we will be well-placed to seize growth opportunities in Sri Lanka, and generate enduring benefits for our customers and stakeholders.”

Janashakthi Insurance PLC Managing Director Prakash Schaffter said: “I am convinced that this amalgamation with Allianz represents the natural progression of JGIL’s evolution from a small, home grown general insurance business to a leader in the industry, while reflecting the strength of the business we’ve built over the last 23 years. Becoming part of Allianz’s larger organisation also provides many new opportunities for our employees and customers. We share many of the same values, and we are happy to see our commitment to customer service excellence and belief in driving process enhancement and digitalisation reflected in Allianz’s priorities and strengths.”

Janashakthi Insurance has been operating in Sri Lanka for over 23 years with a focus on

motor, fire and health protection for individuals and corporates.

The Sri Lankan general insurance market has posted a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1% between 2010 and 2016. This is expected to accelerate to 12.5% by 2020, driven by improving trade and macro-economic conditions, as well as increased insurance penetration.

The acquisition will deliver a range of strategic benefits to all stakeholders, one of which is strengthening Allianz Lanka’s customer reach and service capabilities. With close to a million policyholders island-wide, the expanded client base represents a significant growth opportunity for Allianz in Sri Lanka.

Janashakthi’s general insurance portfolio complements Allianz Lanka’s existing business, and represents a strategic fit across both corporate and retail lines. In addition, Allianz will bring its core capabilities in data science and technology to deliver superior experiences for all customers.

Together with its 6% share in the country’s life insurance market, the acquisition positions Allianz Lanka as one of the strongest protection leaders in the country.

This supports Allianz’s strategic priorities of achieving market leadership positions and high-quality growth in the Asia Pacific region.

Janashakthi Insurance PLC will continue to focus on its life insurance portfolio in order to strengthen its presence in the Sri Lankan life insurance industry, and remains committed to its vision of lighting the lamp of insurance in every home and workplace.