METLIFE INDIA TEAMS UP WITH RETAIL STORE IN RURAL INSURANCE PUSH

The Indian branch of US-based insurer MetLife has struck a partnership with Indian retail chain Viswas that will see it initially offer rural insurance and other financial products to the 300 stores within Hyderabad. According to MetLife managing director Rajesh Relan the tie-up will be extended across the Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra regions with the aim of having 450 retial outlets providing insurance by 2009. “Given the huge size of the rural market, MetLife envisions this association as an opportunity to further augment its rural presence,” he said. The distribution deal with Viswas follows the recent launch of Met Suvidha – MetLife’s life insurance plan aimed at the rural community.