France's AXA launches 2 bln euros rights offer

SYDNEY, Nov 9 (Reuters) - French insurer AXA SA (AXAF.PA: Quote, Profile, Research) launched a rights offer to raise 2 billion euros ($2.98 billion) to part fund growth plans, the company said in a statement on Monday. The new shares are being offered at 11.90 euros and the deal will result in the issue of a minimum 174.11 million new shares, the statement emailed to Reuters said. (Reporting by Denny Thomas;) ((denny.thomas@reuters.com; +61 2 9373 1812; Reuters Messaging: denny.thomas.reuters.com@reuters.net)) ((If you have a query or comment on this story, send an email to news.feedback.asia@thomsonreuters.com)) ($1=.6718 Euro)