Prudential sure of buyout deal

BRITAIN: The country's second-largest insurance group, Prudential, remains optimistic that its all-share deal to buy American General will proceed despite an unsolicited counter bid from American International Group. 'We believe there is a strong strategic rationale for the merger [with Amercian General], it was well received on the investor roadshow,' said a company spokesman. He said American General is likely to submit the counter offer to a shareholder vote, adding: 'It is their call.'