Aquarian Consortium Offers $65-$70 Per Share for Brighthouse Financial

Aquarian Holdings, a consortium led by the insurer, is in advanced talks to acquire Brighthouse Financial for $65-$70 per share, valuing the company at up to $4 billion. Brighthouse provides insurance and investment management services and may decide as soon as next week to move forward with the sale or remain independent. Co-investors Mubadala Capital and Qatar Investment Authority will provide more than half the capital for the potential transaction.

In a significant development in the financial sector, Aquarian Holdings, a leading insurer, is in advanced negotiations to acquire Brighthouse Financial Inc. for a price range of $65 to $70 per share. This potential acquisition could value Brighthouse at up to $4 billion on an equity basis Aquarian Discusses $65-$70 Per Share Offer for Brighthouse^[1].

Brighthouse, a provider of insurance and investment management services, has seen its shares trade broadly flat at $45.39 on Friday, giving the company a market value of approximately $2.6 billion. The insurer may decide as soon as next week whether to move forward with the sale or remain independent. As of now, no final decision has been made, and discussions could potentially fall through Aquarian Discusses $65-$70 Per Share Offer for Brighthouse^[1].

Aquarian is working with co-investors including Mubadala Capital and the Qatar Investment Authority, which are set to provide more than half the capital for the potential transaction. The Qatar Investment Authority's involvement is notable, as it has recently invested in other critical sectors such as mining through its support of Ivanhoe Mines, securing a $500 million investment in the Canadian mining firm Ivanhoe Mines Secures $500M From Qatar Investment Authority^[2].

The acquisition of Brighthouse by Aquarian could have significant implications for the financial services industry. It would represent a substantial expansion for Aquarian, potentially enhancing its capabilities in insurance and investment management services. The deal, if successful, would also provide Brighthouse with a new strategic direction and financial backing.

For now, both Aquarian and Brighthouse have maintained a neutral stance regarding the acquisition. A representative for Brighthouse declined to comment, and a spokesperson for Aquarian did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

This article provides a snapshot of the current state of negotiations. As more details emerge, investors and financial professionals will closely monitor the development of this potential acquisition.