1 Nov 2017

NZ Super buys $100m stake in life insurer

12:45 pm on 1 November 2017

New Zealand Superannuation Fund is taking a 41 percent cornerstone stake in locally-owned life insurer Fidelity Life for $100 million.

A file photo shows a piggy bank in front of a blackboard with question marks.

Photo: 123RF

The conditional agreement values Fidelity at between $198m and $220m, and gives the insurance company the capital it needs to expand.

Super Fund chief investment officer Matt Whineray said in a statement it was a good move.

"This is a rare opportunity for the Fund to take a significant direct stake in a New Zealand life insurance company. The additional capital we are providing will support Fidelity's long-term growth plans," he said.

Mr Whineray declined any further comment ahead of Fidelity's shareholders voting on the deal in mid-December.

Fidelity Life chief executive Nadine Tereora said the company's resources could not keep pace with its rapid growth.

"I think it is a brilliant 'New Zealand Inc.' story, where you've got two New Zealand-focused businesses partnering up to drive future growth in a really important sector," she said.

If approved, the Super Fund will get $75m of new shares in Fidelity at an issue price of $115 each, and will buy another $25m of existing shares.

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