Thursday, 10 October

BoG confirms bidding ongoing for Société Générale shares

Business
The submission marks a key step in Société Générale’s plans to potentially sell its shares in Ghana, as part of broader efforts to restructure its operations in selected African markets

Société Générale has submitted a comprehensive list of potential buyers to the Bank of Ghana (BoG), as the French bank proceeds with a strategic review of its operations in the country.

This move aligns with regulatory expectations as the bank considers amending its ownership structure.

The submission marks a key step in Société Générale’s plans to potentially sell its shares in Ghana, as part of broader efforts to restructure its operations in selected African markets.

In May, the bank’s management announced that it had enlisted investment bank Lazard to explore the sale of its branches in Ghana, Cameroon, and Tunisia.

This followed reports of the bank's potential exit from Ghana after nearly 20 years of operation.

In response, the Bank of Ghana requested a full list of interested bidders to ensure transparency in the share acquisition process.

Dr Ernest Addison, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, confirmed that the list had now been provided.

"As an update, we have been furnished with all the bidders of shares that are being disposed of. The bidding process is still ongoing, and once a preferred bidder is selected, they will inform us," Dr Addison said during a recent Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) press briefing in Accra.

Société Générale currently holds a 56% stake in its Ghana operations, with the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) owning 19%.

One individual holds about 7%, while other entities own the remainder.

The bank has assured customers that it will pursue strong partnerships and investments to enhance its long-term performance and profitability, regardless of the outcome of the ongoing review.

 

 

Source: ClassFMonline.com/Terkperkuor Puor