Nov 1 (Reuters) - Swiss Re AG: * SWISS RE CFO SAYS GENERAL EXPECTATION IS THAT REINSURANCE PRICES SHOULD BE STABLE AT THE VERY LEAST IF NOT INCREASING * SWISS RE CFO DECLINES TO COMMENT WHEN ASKED ABOUT REPORTS OF INVESTMENT IN ANBANG * SWISS RE CFO SAYS EXPECT TO SEE FIRMING OF PRICES IN JAPAN OVER NEXT 12 MONTHS * SWISS RE CFO SAYS WE ARE CONSTANTLY SCANNING THE MARKET TO UNDERSTAND IF THERE IS A BUSINESS TO BUILD STRATEGIC OR EARNINGS CAPABILITIES FOR THE GROUP THROUGH M&A * SWISS RE CFO SAYS ON M&A RECENT TRANSACTIONS SEEM RELATIVELY EXPENSIVE TO US * SWISS RE CFO SAYS FAIRLY CONFIDENT AT THE MOMENT OF 99 PERCENT COMBINED RATIO TARGET FOR 2018 Further company coverage:
Swiss Re CEO John Smith has predicted reinsurance prices will remain stable or even increase in the foreseeable future . The company also declined to comment on whether it is planning to invest in the Chinese insurer Anbang Insurance Group . Chinese authorities have reportedly been seeking out an investor for Anbang after seizing control of the company earlier this year .