Finance

Chesnara to buy HSBC Life UK in $355 million deal

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on July 3, 2025

2 min read

· Last updated: January 23, 2026

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LONDON (Reuters) -Life and pensions company Chesnara has agreed to buy HSBC's UK life insurance business for 260 million pounds ($355 million) in cash, Chesnara said on Thursday. The sale of HSBC Life

Chesnara to buy HSBC Life UK in $355 million deal

LONDON (Reuters) -Life and pensions company Chesnara has agreed to buy HSBC's UK life insurance business for 260 million pounds ($355 million) in cash, Chesnara said on Thursday.

The sale of HSBC Life (UK) is the latest by the banking giant as it looks to simplify its business and improve returns under CEO Georges Elhedery.

Chesnara said it expected to generate over 800 million pounds in additional lifetime cash flow from HSBC Life (UK), with annual cash generation exceeding 140 million pounds in the first five years.

It said the deal would be funded from a combination of existing cash resources, the firm's revolving credit facility and a sale of new shares to existing shareholders.

Chesnara said it intended to raise gross proceeds of about 140 million pounds through a rights issue of 79.5 million shares at 176 pence per share, with shareholders getting 10 new ordinary shares for every 19 shares they currently hold.

Chesnara shares closed at 293.5 pence on Wednesday and were little changed in early London trading.

The acquisition is expected to close in early 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

Chesnara, which was formed in 2004 and has operations in the UK and Europe, reported assets under administration of 14 billion pounds ($18.7 billion) as of December 31, 2024.

($1 = 0.7327 pounds)

(Reporting by Chandini Monnappa in Bengaluru. Editing by Rashmi Aich and Mark Potter)

Key Takeaways

  • Chesnara to acquire HSBC Life UK for $355 million.
  • Deal aims to simplify HSBC's business under CEO Georges Elhedery.
  • Chesnara expects over 800 million pounds in additional cash flow.
  • Funding through cash, credit, and a rights issue.
  • Acquisition expected to close in early 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the value of Chesnara's acquisition of HSBC Life UK?
Chesnara has agreed to buy HSBC's UK life insurance business for 260 million pounds, which is approximately $355 million.
How does Chesnara plan to fund the acquisition?
The acquisition will be funded through a combination of existing cash resources, a revolving credit facility, and a rights issue to raise about 140 million pounds.
What are the expected financial benefits of the acquisition for Chesnara?
Chesnara expects to generate over 800 million pounds in additional lifetime cash flow from HSBC Life (UK), with annual cash generation exceeding 140 million pounds in the first five years.
When is the acquisition expected to close?
The acquisition is expected to close in early 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
What is the current status of Chesnara's shares?
Chesnara shares closed at 293.5 pence on Wednesday and showed little change in early London trading.

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