The fundamentals of the bailed-out American International Group Inc. (AIG) are "very strong," the insurer's chief executive told CNBC in an interview Thursday.
"We're cleaning up all the volatility in the stock, cleaning up the complexity, and people are beginning to see we have a solid-growing insurance company," Robert Benmosche said, referring to planned divestitures and the Maiden Lane asset sales.
Specifically, Benmosche said AIG is still working on the sale of aircraft-leasing company ILFC. "But still there's a little nervousness in the aircraft-leasing business, so we're working through that, and when the market's ready we'll be ready," he said.
The CEO said the company's continued improvement and performance will eventually result in the U.S. Treasury selling its shares, although that decision will be in the government's hands. AIG, which was bailed out in 2008, is still 70% owned by the Treasury.
Benmosche, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2010, also said his doctors are pleased with the progress of his health.
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