Saxo Bank is reportedly contemplating a possible sale
of its business, according to a report by Reuters. This latest development happens after failed merger talks 18 months ago, with sources claiming that
the Danish bank is searching for investment bankers to advise on the possible
options.
Saxo Bank’s sale, valued between 1.5 and 2 billion euros, is deemed substantial in the industry. Although the details of the deal
remain unclear, sources who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity said
that the firm is contemplating disposing of either a majority or a minority
stake.
Currently, the Chinese carmaker Geely holds nearly 50%
of Saxo Bank, CEO Kim Fournais owns 28%, while the Finnish insurer Sampo owns nearly
20%. Geely and Saxo Bank are yet to comment on this matter, while Sampo is
reportedly considering offloading its stake to its asset management spin-off
Mandatum.
Saxo Bank’s alliance with a special purpose
acquisition company (SPAC) in 2022 ended due to challenging market conditions.
However, Fournais hinted at future opportunities, leaving the door open to both
public and private transactions.
Geely Group’s Acquisition
Last year, Saxo Bank sold its stake in the regulatory
technology (RegTech) platform, Saxo Fintech, to Geely Holding Group. This
action marked a significant shift in the firm’s ownership structure. Saxo Fintech, previously known as Saxo Geely Tech
Holding A/S, was a fintech firm jointly owned by Saxo Bank and Geely. It was
established in 2019 to offer financial and RegTech solutions in Mainland China.
The decision to divest from Saxo Fintech aimed to
optimize business operations and concentrate on core markets and clients. As
part of the transaction, Saxo Bank received its own shares, equivalent to
approximately 2% of the outstanding Saxo Bank’s shares.
The fully regulated and licensed Danish bank mentioned: “As part of this transaction, Saxo Bank will receive its own
shares in return, equivalent to approximately 2% of the outstanding Saxo Bank
shares.”
Saxo Bank is reportedly contemplating a possible sale
of its business, according to a report by Reuters. This latest development happens after failed merger talks 18 months ago, with sources claiming that
the Danish bank is searching for investment bankers to advise on the possible
options.
Saxo Bank’s sale, valued between 1.5 and 2 billion euros, is deemed substantial in the industry. Although the details of the deal
remain unclear, sources who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity said
that the firm is contemplating disposing of either a majority or a minority
stake.
Currently, the Chinese carmaker Geely holds nearly 50%
of Saxo Bank, CEO Kim Fournais owns 28%, while the Finnish insurer Sampo owns nearly
20%. Geely and Saxo Bank are yet to comment on this matter, while Sampo is
reportedly considering offloading its stake to its asset management spin-off
Mandatum.
Saxo Bank’s alliance with a special purpose
acquisition company (SPAC) in 2022 ended due to challenging market conditions.
However, Fournais hinted at future opportunities, leaving the door open to both
public and private transactions.
Geely Group’s Acquisition
Last year, Saxo Bank sold its stake in the regulatory
technology (RegTech) platform, Saxo Fintech, to Geely Holding Group. This
action marked a significant shift in the firm’s ownership structure. Saxo Fintech, previously known as Saxo Geely Tech
Holding A/S, was a fintech firm jointly owned by Saxo Bank and Geely. It was
established in 2019 to offer financial and RegTech solutions in Mainland China.
The decision to divest from Saxo Fintech aimed to
optimize business operations and concentrate on core markets and clients. As
part of the transaction, Saxo Bank received its own shares, equivalent to
approximately 2% of the outstanding Saxo Bank’s shares.
The fully regulated and licensed Danish bank mentioned: “As part of this transaction, Saxo Bank will receive its own
shares in return, equivalent to approximately 2% of the outstanding Saxo Bank
shares.”