While its chief executive declared that it can "see the finish line," American International Group Inc. proved it can raise money from private investors by signing $4.3 billion in private-sector loan agreements.
The credit is considered a big step for the New York-based insurer, which is trying to carry out a plan to repay a massive government bailout in September 2008.
More than 35 banks participated in the credit lending that includes a three-year facility and a 364-day facility at $1.5 billion each as well as a one-year $1.3 billion facility marked for Chartis, AIG's property and casualty unit.
"This success is another important vote of confidence by the market in AIG," said Robert Benmosche, chief executive officer, in a statement. Shares in the company, which during the past year have been as low as about $21.50 each, rose sharply on Dec. 27 and were trading at around $60 early on Dec. 28.
The credit facilities along with other recent moves "demonstrate that AIG has momentum and has made substantial and impressive progress this year," Mr. Benmosche added.
AIG said it will be able to tap into the credit once it closes on its previously announced recapitalization plan.
Early in December, after more than two years away from the debt markets, AIG returned and raised $2 billion in bonds, and it established a $500 million contingency letter of credit in the middle of the month.
In the last six months, AIG raised $27 billion in cash by selling subsidiary American Life Insurance Company (ALICO) and from an initial public offering of its unit AIA Group Ltd. in Hong Kong. The funds will be used to repay a line of credit to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
In September, AIG said the sale of AIG Star Life Insurance Company and AIG Edison Life Insurance Company to Prudential Financial Inc. for $4.3 billion, should close early in 2011.
As part of the agreement to pay back taxpayers, the Treasury's stake in AIG will increase to about 92 percent from 80 percent, clearing the way for it to offer stock to the public. The Treasury has said it expects a profit on its investments in AIG.
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