MetLife is the biggest insurance seller in the United States, and it's expanding globally. MetLife bought one of AIG's international life insurance businesses in November for $15.5 billion. The business, called Alico, receives 70% of its income from Japan, and extends MetLife's global reach from 16 countries to over 60. MetLife expects its international business to contribute a full 30% of its total premiums, fees and other revenues this year, says CEO Robert Henrikson.
But going international doesn't necessarily mean success. In late March, MetLife sold its Taiwan life insurance unit, turning its attention toward markets with less competition. --S.D.
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