Thursday, January 25, 2007: Prudential Plc divulged its aggressive strategy for augmenting its investment in India. On the sidelines of its first board meeting in India, the group chief executive Mark Tucker said existing investment in all its segments would be increased. Appreciating the government's open policies on insurance, the chief executive remarked that the company was focusing on the Indian market to develop its business.

The rural market has been particularly encouraging, and the company's products have made effective penetration in the growing market. One million customers from the rural market have given the company confidence to further strengthen its base.

On its outsourcing activities, Prudential has plans to expand beyond the UK operations. Tucker dismissed rumors of the company being up for a takeover, and said it has devised strategies to promote its products independently

Prudential is a leading UK-based financial services company, offering personal banking, insurance and pensions products and retail and institutional fund management services, with operations across the globe.

In India, it entered into a joint venture with ICICI Bank in December 2000 with a total capital infusion of Rs. 18.15 billion. ICICI Bank holds a stake of 74% and Prudential plc holds 26%. Today, the nation-wide team comprises 450 branches, over 150,000 insurance advisors and 18 banc assurance partners.