MetLife, Inc. announced that it has declared fourth quarter 2009 dividends of $0.2527777 per share on the company's floating rate non-cumulative preferred stock, Series A and $0.4062500 per share on the company's 6.50% non-cumulative preferred stock, Series B. Both dividends are payable on December 15, 2009 to shareholders of record as of November 30, 2009.

MetLife Inc. and Fidelity Investments announced the introduction of a new deferred variable annuity product designed for individuals who are either retired or transitioning to retirement. The MetLife Growth and Guaranteed IncomeSM (MGGI) variable annuity is distributed exclusively through Fidelity and is the only deferred variable annuity with a living benefit sold through the company. The companies noted that their relationship comes at a time when an increasing number of Americans are seeking strategies to help them maximize and protect their incomes in retirement. The product provides growth potential when the market improves and downside income protection if the market declines. Individuals also retain control of their assets and can access a portion of their account value at any time during the contract.

Metlife is seeking acquisition opportunities in the UK. Speaking at a press briefing in New York last week, the President of the international business, Bill Toppeta said the company had "a list of targets" that it is considering. He said: "We know during the next two to three years that there definitely will be consolidation within the life insurance industry and we are very much an active participant in that and I believe you will see us engage primarily, if not exclusively, as an acquirer. We will potentially acquire companies in the UK. We have a list of targets we like. In every market we are interested in, we are looking all the time." Toppeta did not comment on whether the company was still in talks to acquire Alico Finance. Metlife revealed that it is also looking at moving into the fixed-term annuity market.