By Ivan Ssenabulya
I&M Holdings PLC has announced the majority acquisition of Orient Bank Limited (OBL) from 8 miles LLP and Morka Holdings Limited.
I&M Holdings PLC and Orient Bank Limited signed an agreement in July 2020 for I&M Holdings PLC to acquire 90 percent shareholding of the Ugandan entity.
The acquisition was completed on 30th April 2021 after receiving the necessary approvals from the Central Bank of Kenya, Bank of Uganda, Capital Markets Authority of Kenya and the COMESA Competition Authority.
I&M’s Executive Director, Sarit Raja Shah says the move underscores the group’s commitment to its growth and expansion strategy in Eastern Africa, where Uganda was the missing link in the Group’s strategic effort to set up its presence in all East African countries.
Shah adds that the acquisition of OBL will place I&M Bank in an advantageous position to capitalise on the growth in the Eastern African economies and thereby ultimately increasing shareholder value.
Through the acquisition, I&M Group has acquired additional net loan assets of approximately USH 262 billion, deposits of USH 606 billion, a customer base of close to 70,000, a staff component of 340 employees and a network of 14 branches and 22 ATMs across the country.
