Allstate CEO eyes overseas expansion

Allstate Corp., the largest publicly traded U.S. home and auto insurer, is evaluating whether to expand in nations including Mexico and Brazil.

The insurer, which now operates only in the U.S. and Canada, is also investigating China and India as potential areas for expansion, Chief Executive Officer Thomas Wilson said in a presentation to investors at a conference today.

An acquisition or start-up outside North America would mark a reversal for Northbrook, Illinois-based Allstate, which sold or shut down operations in Europe and Asia in the early part of this decade.