Subsequent Event

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

9.  Subsequent Event

Sale agreement

On July 17, 2013, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with Resolution Life Holdings, Inc. to sell Lincoln Benefit Life Company and its business generated through independent master brokerage agencies for $600 million.  The transaction is expected to close by December 31, 2013.  The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.  A loss on disposition estimated to be in the range of approximately $475 million to $525 million, after-tax, will be recorded in third quarter 2013.  The total reduction in shareholder’s equity, including the impact to unrealized capital gains and losses, is estimated to be in the range of approximately $575 million to $675 million.  This transaction will meet the criteria for held-for-sale accounting beginning in third quarter 2013.