Access Bank Plc on Wednesday entered into a deal with Kenyan-based KCB Group Plc (“KCB”) to acquire the entire issued share capital of National Bank of Kenya Limited, marking yet another bold effort to expand its frontiers across the continent.
KBC is the holding company for KCB Bank Ltd, Kenya’s largest commercial bank.
“The Transaction is in furtherance of the Bank’s African expansion strategy and will reposition it as a stronger and significant player in the Kenyan market whilst serving as a regional hub for our East African bloc anchored by a solidified balance sheet.
“The parties will be working together in the coming months to fulfill the conditions precedent relating to the Transaction, which includes the regulatory approvals of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Central Bank of Kenya,” a statement by the bank on Wednesday said.
Commenting on the transaction, Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/Chief Executive of Access Bank Plc said:
“The transaction represents an important milestone for the Bank as it moves us closer to the achievement of our five-year strategic plan through increased scale in the Kenyan market. We are building a strong and sustainable franchise to support economic prosperity, encourage Africa trade, advance financial inclusion thereby empowering many to achieve their financial dreams.
“Trade flows in East Africa revolve around key trade corridors, with Kenya being a key player in the region. With the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, these corridors will continue to expand and by deploying our best-in-class financial solutions, we are strategically positioned to deliver sustainable value for our stakeholders. The consolidation in Kenya will support the realisation of our aspiration to be Africa’s Payment Gateway to the World. Subsequent to the completion of the transaction, NBK would be combined with Access Bank Kenya Plc to create an enlarged franchise in the pursuit of our strategic objective for the Kenyan and East African markets.”
KCB Group CEO Paul Russo said: “This transaction represents what we believe is a great opportunity to maximise value for our shareholders while strengthening the competitive position for the Group. The past four years have been defining for NBK as a KCB Group subsidiary and this step marks the opening of new opportunities.”
“During the period, we have made progressive investments in the Bank, and we believe that this is in the best interest of the Group and its sustainability. Our growth strategy is premised on both organic and inorganic plans, and we shall continue to seek opportunities that increase our shareholder’s value,” Russo said.
The Bank noted further that when the transaction is completed, the NBK would be combined with Access Bank Kenya Plc to create an enlarged franchise.
Meanwhile, Acting GCEO of Access Holdings Plc, Ms. Bolaji Agbede, while commenting on the deal said the transaction will help the bank to deliver value to its customers and shareholders.
She said, “This proposed acquisition marks a significant step in the execution of our five-year strategic plan aimed at positioning the Bank as Africa’s Gateway to the World.
“The deal with NBK, a historically strong and well-known bank in Kenya with a balance sheet over $1.1bn, presents a compelling opportunity to scale up our growth in the East African market.
“We remain confident that our investments towards diversifying and strengthening the Bank’s long-term earnings profile will deliver significant value for our shareholders, customers, and wider stakeholder groups.”
