TOKYO, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Japan's MS&AD Insurance ( MSADF )

said on Monday that it will acquire an 18% stake in

U.S. asset manager Barings for $1.44 billion from parent company

MassMutual.

As part of the strategic partnership, MS&AD will send a

member from its leadership team to Barings' board. The

transaction is expected to close after customary closing

conditions and approvals have been finalised, the company said.