Access Bank Plc and KCB Group Plc (KCB) have signed a binding agreement to acquire 100 per cent shareholding in National Bank of Kenya Limited (NBK) from KCB.
The successful completion of the transaction is subject to conditions that are customary for transactions of this nature including receipt of all regulatory approvals from, amongst others, the Central Bank of Kenya, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the COMESA Competition Commission, and notifications to other relevant regulators.
For Access Bank, this move underscores its commitment to bolstering its presence in Kenya and the broader East African region.
Speaking on the transaction, managing director/chief executive of Access Bank, Roosevelt Ogbonna 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.”
Ogbonna added that “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.
Access Bank stated that all parties will be working together in the coming months to fulfill the conditions precedent relating to the proposed acquisition, which include the regulatory approvals of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Central Bank of Kenya.
Access Bank will continue to provide a full range of banking services and continuity for its stakeholders including employees and customers in Kenya.
In recent months, Access Bank has embarked on a strategic expansion drive, marked by significant acquisitions. In January, the Bank completed its acquisition of Atlas Mara Zambia, thereby becoming one of Zambia’s top five banks by revenue with prospects to be in the top three by 2027.