Business

Access Bank To Acquire Majority Stake In Ugandan Bank

Access Holdings Plc has announced that its flagship subsidiary, Access Bank Plc has entered into a definitive agreement with the Ugandan-based Finance Trust Bank Limited, FTB and its Selling Institutional Shareholders, for the acquisition of a majority equity stake in FTB.

The company secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, in a statement said following the conclusion of the closing of the transaction which is targeted for the first half of 2024, Access Bank would own an estimated 80% shareholding in FTB.

The statement read “Access Holdings Plc is pleased to announce that its flagship subsidiary, Access Bank Plc (“the Bank or Access Bank”) has entered into a definitive agreement with the Ugandan-based Finance Trust Bank Limited (Finance Trust Bank” or “FTB”) and its Selling Institutional Shareholders (“FTB Selling Shareholders”) for the acquisition of a majority equity stake in FTB (“The Transaction”).

“The Transaction involves Access Bank’s acquisition of a majority stake from existing shareholders and a capital injection by Access Bank to increase FTB’s capital base, both of which are subject to regulatory approvals by the Central Bank of Nigeria and Bank of Uganda.

“Following the conclusion of customary conditions precedent and the anticipated closing of the transaction targeted for the first half of 2024, Access Bank would own an estimated 80% shareholding in FTB.

Speaking on the Transaction, the Group Chief Executive of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe acknowledged it as ‘an important milestone that moves the company closer to its five-year plan through continued expansion into key markets’.

He said “The Transaction marks an important milestone for Access Bank as it moves us closer to the achievement of our five-year strategic plan through continued expansion into key markets.

“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. The expansion to Uganda will support the realization of our aspiration to become Africa’s Payment Gateway to the World.”

Also, the Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna said “Trade flows in East Africa revolve around key trade corridors, with Uganda 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 value for our stakeholders.

“The transaction will enable the Bank to leverage its strong experience in the gender empowerment market to support FTB’s mission to deliver innovative financial solutions to customers especially women which currently comprises about 40% of its customers.

“The Bank’s African growth strategy is focused on consolidation within the key regional trade. blocs to harness the full benefits of its legacy investments across the continent.

“The Bank will continue to deepen its market share with a view to delivering sustainable profit across all countries of operations.”

Chioma Kalu