HSBC boosts India presence by buying RBS businesses

The $1.8bln India expansion is part of the lender’s strategy to set up businesses in emerging markets.

HSBC's wholly-owned subsidiary, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC Ltd), has agreed to acquire The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc’s (‘RBS’) retail and commercial banking businesses in India involving portfolios with a gross asset value of US$1.8 billion as at 31 March 2010. The acquisition subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to complete in the first half of 2011, according to an HSBC report.

The total consideration will comprise a premium of up to US$95 million over the tangible net asset value of the businesses being acquired at the closing of the transaction, less an adjustment equal to 90 per cent of any credit losses incurred on the unsecured lending portfolio in the two years subsequent to deal completion.

RBS’s retail and commercial banking businesses in India currently have 1.1 million customer relationships served by over 1,800 staff through 31 branches. In connection with seeking the required regulatory approvals, HSBC will apply to the Reserve Bank of India for branch licences required to support the acquired businesses.

Michael Geoghegan, HSBC Group Chief Executive and Chairman of HSBC Ltd, said, “The main focus of our strategy is on emerging markets and this acquisition is our third transaction in one of the world’s largest and fastest growing developing markets in the last two years. The combination of HSBC’s leading position in emerging markets and our distinctive financial strength mean that we are strongly placed to take advantage of opportunities like this for the benefit of customers and shareholders.”

In June 2008, HSBC entered into a joint venture insurance company with Canara Bank and Oriental Bank of Commerce, gaining access to a distribution network of 5,000 branches and 50 million customers. In September of the same year, HSBC acquired IL&FS Investsmart, now HSBC InvestDirect, a major retail brokerage with more than 130,000 customers and outlets across 52 cities.

India was the second fastest growing economy in the world by GDP last year and is set for another strong year with forecast GDP growth of 8.5 per cent in 2010. According to the International Monetary Fund, it is expected to be the world’s third largest economy, based on purchasing power parity, by 2012.

Naina Lal Kidwai, HSBC Group General Manager and Country Head in India, said, “This transaction is an important addition to our existing network and testament to our ambition to expand our footprint in India. India is home to about 1.15 billion people, representing 17 per cent of the world’s population. We see tremendous growth potential in this country, both in helping domestic and international companies capture opportunities in India’s growing trade and investment flows with the world and in meeting the financial needs of its rising affluent consumer market.”