Societe Generale agrees to sell to DBS its private banking activities in Asia

The transaction will be structured as a business transfer. At completion, Societe Generale group will receive a cash consideration of USD 220m for the franchise (subject to adjustment based on the net asset value and assets under management at completion) and will free up around USD 200m of equity.

Further to the transaction, Societe Generale announces that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding with DBS to develop a commercial partnership combining the strengths of the two franchises for the benefit of their respective clients. The partnership will give Societe Generale’s clients access to DBS’ Private banking offering in Asia. In addition DBS’ clients will have access to Societe Generale Private Banking’s offering in Europe as well as to Corporate & Investment Banking solutions.

The transaction is subject to approvals from the relevant authorities and is expected to be completed in Q4 2014. It is expected to have a positive impact on the Group net income and on the Basel 3 Common Equity Tier 1 ratio.

Societe Generale Private Banking will be in a position to free up investment capacities to accelerate its development in its core markets and to further strengthen the services offered to its clients in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

Societe Generale remains committed to Asia, in particular in Corporate & Investment Banking, where it has successfully focused on its strengths over the past three years and reached a strong sustainable growth.

In Asia Pacific, the Group is present in 11 countries [1], where it has more than 6,000 employees. Leveraging on its universal banking model and leading positions, the Group offers domestic and international clients present in the region solutions ranging from financing and investment to cash management services.