New commercial bank to take over Union Bank

One of Nigeria’s newest commercial banks, Titan Trust Bank Limited is set to take over Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, the latter has announced.

The Company Secretary of Union Bank, Somuyiwa Sonubi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

According to the statement, the Board of Directors of Union Bank has received a notification from Union Global Partners Ltd. (UGPL) – the holder of a majority shareholding in the bank – of the execution of a share sale and purchase agreement between UGPL, some of its other existing shareholders, and Titan Trust Bank Limited (the purchaser) for the sale of an aggregate 89.39% of the issued share capital of Union Bank held by the sellers to the purchaser.

The statement said the completion of the transaction is, however, subject to obtaining applicable regulatory approvals and the fulfillment of certain conditions precedent.

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“On behalf of the Board, we congratulate all the parties involved in reaching this phase of the transaction and the board looks forward to supporting the next steps to ensure a seamless completion of the process following regulatory approvals,” said Mrs. Beatrice Bassey who is Chair of Union Bank.

“We are grateful to our current investors whose significant and consequential investments over the past nine years facilitated the transformation of Union Bank, one of Nigeria’s oldest and storied institutions.”

Bassey believes the bank is well-positioned with an innovative product offering, a growing customer base of over six million, and consistent year on year profitability.

She described such attributes as a solid foundation for incoming investors to build on as the bank advances into a new era.

For the Chairman of Titan Trust Bank, Mr. Tunde Lemo, the bank and its key stakeholders are delighted as the transaction marks a major step in the bank’s strategic growth journey and propels the institution to the next level in the Nigerian banking sector.

“The deal represents a unique opportunity to combine Union Bank’s longstanding and leading banking franchise with TTB’s innovation-led model which promises to enhance the product and service offering for our combined valued customers,” he said.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Union Bank, Emeka Okonkwo, described the development as a significant milestone in the journey of the 104-year-old bank.

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He thanked the bank’s current investors for their unwavering commitment over the years and welcomed their new core investor.

“We recognise the strategic feat between the two institutions and expect that this deal will deliver the best outcome for our employees, customers and stakeholders. We look forward to collectively writing the next exciting chapter for Union Bank.”

“After completing over two years of operations with aggressive organic growth, we are excited to have an opportunity for a significant leap forward in market share,” said Mr Mudassir Amray who is CEO of Titan Trust Bank.

“UBN’s widespread presence, state-of-the-art technology platform, quality staff, and strong brand loyalty fits well with our synchronised modular strategy. We look forward to delivering superior results for the benefit of our staff, customers, shareholders, and stakeholders.”

Established in 1917 and listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1971, Union Bank is one of Nigeria’s long-standing financial institutions.

While it has a network of over 280 sales and service centres across the country, Titan Trust Bank began operation in October 2019.