Hartford Says Annuity-Block Sale More Likely as Markets Gain

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc., the insurer narrowing its focus under pressure from billionaire investor John Paulson, said it is more likely to divest its annuity business after stock markets rose.

Hartford is considering sales, securitizations and reinsurance transactions to reduce risk tied to liabilities on the equity-linked products it sold in the U.S. and Japan in prior years, Chief Executive Officer Liam McGee said today at a conference in New York organized by JPMorgan Chase & Co. Deals become appealing as markets advance, McGee said.