Access Signs Merger Deal with Zambian Bank

Darasimi Adebisi

Access Bank Plc yesterday announced that it has executed a binding agreement with Atlas Mara Limited on a proposed merger between African banking Corporation Zambia Limited (Atlas Mara Zambia) and the bank’s subsidiary in Zambia, Access Bank Zambia Limited (Access Bank Zambia).

The Company Secretary, Access Bank, Sunday Ekwochi, in a statement on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), stated that upon the completion of the prospective transaction, the bank was expected to increase its current shareholding in Access Bank Zambia, which following the merger would have over 70 branches and agencies, approximately $1billion total assets and over 300,000 customers in Zambia.

According to him: “The transaction will not require significant additional capital investment requirements from the bank given the capital and other synergies created from the merger between Access Bank Zambia with Cavmont Bank in 2020.

“The proposed transaction is expected to be concluded in 2022, subject to fulfilment of conditions precedent including regulatory approvals in Nigeria and Zambia.”

Commenting on the new deal, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank, Dr. Herbert Wigwe said: “This transaction represents another milestone that brings us closer to the achievement of our broader strategic objectives.

“The merger of Atlas Mara Zambia with Access Bank Zambia is expected to augment our presence in Zambia and the broader COMESA region, Africa’s largest free trade area.

“We are particularly excited by the prospects of increased earnings contribution to the bank from the enlarged Access Bank Zambia, which has also announced the appointment of a new managing Director, Mr. Lishala Situmbeko, who brings over 25 years of cognate experience and deep local relationships into our Zambian operation.

“Today’s announcement is a testament to the strong confidence of the Zambian market in the Bank’s country and regional strategy as well as our strong confidence in the long-term prospects for the Zambian economy.”