British insurer Prudential unveiled its $21 billion (€16.96 billion) cash call as it tries to put its takeover of AIG’s Asian unit back on track, launching a charm offensive to woo wary shareholders.

Britain’s Financial Services Authority forced the country’s largest insurer to tweak its $35.5 billion offer for AIA in an embarrassing and unprecedented last-minute delay nearly two weeks ago, telling it to boost capital.

Prudential chief executive Tidjane Thiam has laid out his agreement with the British watchdog, a key step to rescue the deal that will help bailed-out rival AIG repay the US government. – (Reuters)