Equity Group Holdings Plc, in keeping with its strategic regional expansion, on June 14, 2023, announced its intention to acquire Compagnie Générale de Banque (Cogebanque) PLC Ltd in Rwanda.
This is after signing a binding term sheet that will mean that, upon completion of the transaction, EGH will pay an aggregate cash consideration of RWF 54.68 billion (USD 48.1 million) for a 91.93% controlling equity stake.
The acquisition of the fifth largest bank, and subsequent amalgamation of the business with that of Equity Group’s existing banking subsidiary in Rwanda, would position Equity Bank as the 2nd largest bank in Rwanda after the merger with a total combined assets market share of 18% and a deposits market share of 19% based on audited accounts as at 31st December 2022.
Further, the transaction would solidify Equity Group’s systemic status in the region with the amalgamated Rwanda subsidiary joining Equity Bank Kenya and EquityBCDC in the Democratic Republic of Congo as banks with the second largest market share in their respective markets.
Equity Group’s investment and capital allocation are also guided by the Company’s strong growth history and robust outlook.
Economic growth
“Rwanda’s 5-year average GDP growth rate at 6.5% ranks it amongst the 10 fastest growing countries in the world,” Dr James Mwangi, Group Managing Director and CEO, Equity Group Holdings Plc said.
“Rwanda’s economic growth is expected to be supported by continued ease of doing business, recovery of global travel that will underpin its tourism and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) strategy targeting Foreign Direct Investments, regional integration, supporting trade and increasing contribution to its manufacturing sector. An underpenetrated financial services sector, with private sector credit and GDP being below 30% provides a well-defined secular growth opportunity for the financial services Group,” he added.
On his part, Dr Uzziel Ndagijimana, Rwanda’s Minister of Finance and Economic Planning said Equity Group’s acquisition of Cogebanque reflects the trust and confidence placed in Rwanda’s economic prospects and the resilience of the country’s financial industry
“The consolidation of these two institutions will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and stability of Rwanda’s banking sector, enabling us to provide better financial services to our citizens and facilitate economic empowerment,” said Dr Ndagijimana.
Rwanda has been Equity Group’s highest return business whilst generating high growth and sustained efficient operations.
The acquisition and amalgamation of Cogebanque will further shore and transform Equity Rwanda’s economies of scale with the resulting 54% growth in the balance sheet, positioning it to play a more meaningful role across the economy and the region in line with Equity Group’s Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP).
Strengthening MSMEs
The larger balance sheet with an enhanced single lending obligor limit will better support the financing needs and requirements of businesses in the high-growth sectors further enhancing capacity for syndicated lending with other large banks in Rwanda to support the economic growth of Rwanda as envisioned under Vision 2050 and facilitate growth in key sectors of Tourism, MICE and manufacturing.
By combining Cogebanque’s existing network of 28 branches with that of Equity Rwanda, the combined bank will achieve countrywide distribution and coverage while acquiring and strengthening its Micro-, Small- and Medium-sized Enterprise (MSME) franchise, which is its core strength.
The MSME segment of the Rwanda economy will also greatly benefit from Equity’s strong product offering and innovative technology solutions for the segment.
“This acquisition and proposed amalgamation of Cogebanque with Equity Bank Rwanda will result in a strengthened National and Regional Commercial bank in line with, and underpinning Rwanda’s aspirations of being an international financial and business centre. Strong Local, National and Regional commercial banks will be the foundation of such a regional and International Financial Services Center status,” said Dr Mwangi.
