Max merger with HDFC Life called off

Max Financial Services (MFS), Max India and Max Life today confirmed that the proposed merger with HDFC Life has been called off. The exclusivity agreement with HDFC Life, valid till 31st July 2017, will not be renewed.

The prospective partners had evaluated several alternate structures over the last month. However, the inordinate time associated with finalization and approval of these structures led to this decision. Max Financial Services was created in 2016, as a result of a demerger of the erstwhile Max India, to provide investors specific and undiluted access to the Group's life insurance business, provide sharper focus to Max Life and unlock shareholder value. This demerger resulted in significant value creation based on the strong intrinsic value and superior performance of Max Life.

The quality of the Max Life business, its superior performance in the market, and the unique position of MFS as a listed entity with sole focus on the life insurance business, made Max Life and MFS attractive potential merger partners for HDFC Life. Max was therefore approached with this merger proposition.

Max Life has grown into one of India's largest, fastest-growing and highest quality private life insurance businesses. The business' success comes through in a comprehensive set of parameters including sales, profits and customer retention and is driven by digital thinking, operational efficiencies, a robust and diversified distribution architecture, highly engaged bancassurance partners, a profitable own agency force and a highly competent and engaged talent pool led by a top quality leadership team.

The company delivered its best performance since inception in FY 2017. It continues to remain strong and is poised for out-performance as the life insurance industry witnesses a return to growth. It reported consolidated revenues of Rs. 12,971 Cr. and shareholder Profit before Tax of Rs. 768 Cr. (50% YoY growth). Its Embedded Value (EV) stands at Rs 6,590 Cr., with 20% Operating Return on EV. Its Assets under Management (as at 31st Mar. 2017) are Rs. 44,370 Cr., a 24% growth over last financial year.

The company will continue on its path to aggressively invest in organic and inorganic growth levers. This will be done through investments in enhancing own channels such as agency and digital, delivering superior policyholder experience, deepening and leveraging existing bancassurance partnerships, and forging new distribution alliances. In addition, it will pursue acquisition opportunities as the industry further consolidates.

Max Life is committed and confident of delivering superior value to all its stakeholders to become India's most admired life insurance company.

Source : Equity Bulls

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