Aegon NV, the Netherlands-based owner of Transamerica, announced that it is examining the possibility of acquiring a thrift in the United States, which may allow the company to qualify for the U.S. government’s bank bailout.

The company said it has no need for additional core capital beyond the 3 billion euros (US$3.7 billion) secured from the Dutch State. However, it also “believes it is prudent, and possibly advantageous, to explore the terms and conditions under which financial support may be available under [the Troubled Asset Relief Program].”

It noted that no decision has been taken at this point on the possible acquisition of a thrift or its eventual participation in TARP. At this stage, it is unclear whether AEGON, would be eligible for the program.

“AEGON has a sufficient capital buffer given our recent actions. The 3 billion euros of core capital we secured last month from the Dutch State, combined with the measures we are taking ourselves, is more than adequate to ensure that we enter 2009 with a strong capital buffer,” said Jos Streppel, AEGON’s chief financial officer.

“In the current market environment, we want to make sure that we carefully explore all possible financing options. And, as a company with sizable operations in the United States, it makes sense for us to examine the terms and conditions which may be available under the U.S. government’s TARP program,” he added.