S&P Global Market Intelligence presents In Play Today, a periodic summary of potential deal activity in the financial sectors of Europe, the Middle East and Africa. This summary, which is displayed according to where a target's headquarters is located, is based on information obtained by S&P Global Market Intelligence and may not be inclusive of all potential deal activity.
Europe
* Intesa Sanpaolo SpA confirmed that it is examining a potential deal with Generali following a report in Italy's La Stampa suggesting that Germany's Allianz Group and Intesa were putting together a possible offer for Generali, in which the German insurer would buy some of Generali's assets and Intesa would invest €5 billion to €6 billion to protect Italian interests.
A "source familiar with the matter" told Reuters that Intesa could make an all-share bid for Generali.
* A company controlled by oil company Rosneft is believed to be among three final bidders for Vnesheconombank
The potential buyer will be chosen in mid-February and the sale could be completed in the first quarter.
* Banco BPM SpA is reportedly exploring a sale of asset management unit Aletti Gestielle SGR SpA as it seeks to optimize its assets. The bank has asked Barclays to do a general review of the business, which has about €17 billion in AUM and could be valued at €500 million. Aletti is likely to pursue a merger with Anima Holding SpA, in which BPM holds a 14.67% stake. However, BPM is expected to also seek bids from other companies, including France-based Amundi SA and U.K.-based Aberdeen Asset Management Plc.
* JSC Halyk Savings Bank of Kazakhstan
* JSC VTB Bank
* Aon Plc is said to be in advanced talks to sell its benefits outsourcing business to private equity firm Clayton Dubilier & Rice LLC, which submitted a bid of about $4.5 billion earlier in January, edging out a competing bid from Blackstone Group LP.
* Prudential Plc, AIA Group Ltd. and Manulife Financial Corp. are among firms interested in acquiring Thailand-based Siam Commercial Bank PCL's insurance business. The initial bids for a partial or complete sale of the business are expected to be submitted in early February.
* Dubai private equity firm Abraaj Group would consider acquiring a stake in Barclays Africa Group Ltd.