Fidelity Bank Plc has announced that it has entered into a binding agreement for the acquisition of a 100.0 per cent equity stake in Union Bank United Kingdom (UK) Plc for which the Central Bank of Nigeria has issued a letter of “No Objection”.
In a corporate filing on the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Tuesday, Fidelity Bank said the Central Bank of Nigeria‘s letter signifies acceptance to its proposed acquisition of the bank which commenced London operations in 1983.
The notice signed by Fidelity Bank’s Company Secretary, Ezinwa Unuigboje, said the transaction is still subject to the approval of the Prudential Regulatory Authority of the United Kingdom.
Commenting on the agreement, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc said this transaction aligns with the strategic plan of expanding the lender’s service touchpoints beyond the Nigerian market and providing straight-through services that meet and exceed the needs of its growing clients.
According to her, “The diverse service bouquet and business model of Union Bank UK offered a compelling synergy, and we hope to build on the existing capacity to create a scalable and more sustaining service franchise that will support the wider ecosystem of our trade businesses and diaspora banking services.”
The transaction is subject to the approval of the Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA} of the United Kingdom.
In June, Titan Trust Bank Limited completed the takeover of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc which was one of Nigeria’s oldest banks.
Fidelity Bank Plc set to acquire 100% equity in Union Bank UK
