AEGON Withdraws TARP Application

The Hague, Netherlands — AEGON N.V. has informed the U.S. Department of the Treasury that it is withdrawing its application for participation in the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).

"AEGON has decided not to seek access to TARP funds," says AEGON CFO Jos Streppel. "The ongoing steps we are taking have positioned AEGON to enter 2009 with a strong capital position."

AEGON also has withdrawn its application to the Office of Thrift Supervision in the United States to gain a thrift charter, a prerequisite for participation in TARP.

AEGON is a life insurance and pension group and provider of investment products. AEGON empowers local business units to identify and provide products and services that meet the evolving needs of customers, using distribution channels best suited to local markets. AEGON takes pride in balancing a local approach with the power of an expanding global operation.

Source: AEGON