NAB may be front runner for Aviva

The Financial Review reported in its Street Talk column that National Australia Bank may be the front runner among those entities seeking to buy the life insurer Aviva.

The newspaper argued that the interest of AMP, the other most likely buyer, may no longer be so strong, given alternative investment choices made by AMP in its "wrap" business aimed at financial planners, and another of Aviva's core businesses.

The newspaper guessed that the value of Aviva may be in a range from $600 million to $800 million. Final bids are expected on June 19, according to the newspaper.