Staff Reporters
May 26, 2010

AIA's marketing uncertain while Prudential deal pends

ASIA-PACIFIC - In light of Prudential's pending purchase of AIA from the American International Group for US$35.5 billion, some marketing processes surrounding AIA have reportedly slowed while the insurance giants negotiate.

AIA Tower in Hong Kong
AIA Tower in Hong Kong
According to one agency source close to AIA, pitches that were slated to be completed have not been decided with the expediency initially expressed because no one has a definitive idea how departments will be structured if the deal is signed.

Another source working with AIA anticipated bumpy roads ahead in terms of marketing meetings, while others at agencies close to Prudential suggest Prudiential’s agency alliances will play a more prominent marketing role for both entities.

In March, UK’s Prudential first agreed to purchase AIA from the ailing AIG in what would create the most sizable takeover in the insurance sector. That news has been met with criticism in the months following, with AIA’s CEO Mark Wilson labeling the deal “unworkable” and threatening to quit if the plan moves forward.

In Asia, the merger would have its advantages for the companies as AIA has a strong presence in Greater China, Singapore, Thailand and Philippines while Prudential has a focus in India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia.

In terms of marketing, AIA works with M&C Saatchi and Leo Burnett, and last year rebranded with its ‘We are AsIA’ and ‘The power of we’ campaigns ahead of its intended IPO, which later stalled.

Meanwhile, Ogilvy & Mather works with Prudential.

Earlier this year, the company also moved its non-China media to Universal McCann. At the time, and an insider at that agency confirmed it was “business as usual across Asia” in light of the impending merger.

AIA is currently holding a digital pitch in Singapore
.

Related Articles

Just Published

2 days ago

Southeast’s Asia’s top 50 brands 2025

After surveying 10,000+ consumers across Southeast Asia, Pureprofile and Campaign crown Samsung and Shopee as the top brands, joined by 48 others leading the region’s market.

2 days ago

Mindshare, EssenceMediacom China chiefs exit

Campaign understands that both Mindshare and EssenceMediacom’s China chiefs are stepping down; WPP Media pushes regional restructuring post rebrand.

2 days ago

Can’t find a clean public toilet? Buktupup to the ...

BuktuPup is a new microsite that helps travellers in rural Indonesia find clean, private restrooms hosted by locals—even in remote tourist spots.

3 days ago

Agency Report Cards 2024: We grade 25 APAC networks

The grades are in for Campaign Asia's 22nd annual evaluation of APAC agency networks. Subscribe to read our detailed analyses.