KCB acquires DRC's Trust Merchant Bank in expansion drive
KCB Group has entered into a definitive agreement with shareholders of Trust Merchant Bank (TMB) to acquire a
majority stake in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)-based bank.
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The transaction is expected to close by the end of the third quarter of 2022, subject to regulatory, shareholders and other approvals and will see KCB acquire 85% of the shares in TMB while the existing shareholders will continue to hold the balance for a period of not less than two years after which, KCB will acquire their shares.
KCB will pay a cash consideration for the shares determined based on the net asset value of TMB at completion of the proposed transaction, and using a price to book multiple of 1.49.
TMB, a public company limited by shares, is one of DRC’s largest banks with US$1.5 billion in total
assets and has over 110 branches and numerous agency banking outlets spread across DRC.
Officials said the acquisition is aligned with the KCB group’s strategic focus of scaling its regional presence.
Once completed, this acquisition will complement KCB Group’s regional footprint with an asset base of KShs. 1.5 Trillion (USD 12.6 billion) and is expected to strengthen the Group’s retail and corporate banking franchises.
“This is part of our ongoing strategy to tap into opportunities for new growth while investing in and maximizing returns from the Group’s existing businesses. It gives us strong headroom to accelerate our growth ambitions to deliver better value for our shareholders and to bolster the push for deeper financial inclusion and social and economic transformation in Africa and beyond. We are excited that we can now play a role in catalyzing DRC’s and indeed East Africa’s economic expansion agenda,” said Andrew Wambari Kairu, KCB Group chairman.
“We are very excited about the opportunities KCB offers in this transaction and we are proud to bring our unique DRC insights and experience to the KCB Group. We believe that by combining our local
knowledge and standing with the size and expertise of KCB Group, we should be able to increase market share and shareholder value through unlocking our synergies and business opportunities,” said Robert Levy, TMB Chairman.
Officials said with the acquisition, TMB customers will benefit from best-in-class digital capabilities, transactional banking solutions, trade finance expertise and access to regional business opportunities offered by KCB Group. TMB will give KCB Group access to Africa’s second-largest country with a population of over 93 million people.
