Brighthouse Financial Stockholders Approve $4.1B Merger with Aquarian Capital

The all-cash transaction is expected to close in 2026 after regulatory approvals.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Brighthouse Financial, Inc. announced that its common stockholders voted to adopt a definitive merger agreement under which an affiliate of Aquarian Capital LLC will acquire the company in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $4.1 billion. Under the terms, Brighthouse Financial's common stockholders will receive $70.00 in cash per share upon consummation of the transaction.

Why it matters

The merger will allow Brighthouse Financial, one of the largest providers of annuities and life insurance in the U.S., to embark on the next chapter of the company as it continues to deliver on its mission of helping people achieve financial security.

The details

The transaction is expected to close in 2026 and remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Additional details regarding the special meeting and voting results will be available in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed by the company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

  • The special meeting of Brighthouse Financial stockholders was held earlier today (February 12, 2026).
  • The transaction is expected to close in 2026.

The players

Brighthouse Financial, Inc.

A leading provider of annuities and life insurance in the U.S., on a mission to help people achieve financial security.

Aquarian Capital LLC

An affiliate of this company will acquire Brighthouse Financial in the $4.1 billion all-cash transaction.

Eric Steigerwalt

President and CEO of Brighthouse Financial.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“With this approval, we are one step closer to embarking on the next chapter of our company as we continue to deliver on our mission of helping people achieve financial security.”

— Eric Steigerwalt, President and CEO, Brighthouse Financial (BusinessWire)

What’s next

The transaction is expected to close in 2026 and remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

The takeaway

The merger with Aquarian Capital will allow Brighthouse Financial, a leading provider of annuities and life insurance, to continue its mission of helping people achieve financial security as it embarks on the next chapter of the company.