DBS to acquire Societe Generales' Asian private banking business for S$279m

Part of wealth management-focused strategy.

DBS Bank Ltd (DBS) announced today that it has agreed to acquire the Asian private banking business of Societe Generale in Singapore and Hong Kong, as well as selected parts of its trust business, for USD220 million (SGD279 million).

This represents approximately 1.75% of assets under management based on Societe Generale Private Banking Asia’s (SGPB Asia) assets under management of USD12.6 billion (SGD16.0 billion) as of 31 December 2013.

The transaction will accelerate DBS’ ambition of becoming a leading wealth manager in Asia, effectively increasing DBS’ high net worth assets under management by more than 20%.

This transaction is in line with one of DBS’ strategic priorities to be a leading wealth manager in Asia and will significantly increase the scale of its wealth management business.

The purchase price is subject to adjustments based on the net asset value and assets under management of the business as at completion of the transaction. DBS will fund the purchase price out of its internal cash resources. The transaction is not expected to have a material impact on DBS’ capital position or its earnings or net asset value per share.

The transaction is subject to legal and regulatory approvals, as well as certain customary closing conditions, and is expected to be completed in the last quarter of 2014.

DBS Private Bank and SGPB Asia are highly complementary in terms of clients, geographical coverage as well as product and service offerings.

The transaction will also provide significant revenue synergies as SGPB Asia clients will have access to DBS’ universal banking platform including retail, corporate and investment banking. At the same time, through a memorandum of understanding, DBS’ clients will have access to Societe Generale Private Banking’s offering in Europe as well as Societe Generale’s Corporate & Investment Banking solutions. In addition, Societe Generale’s clients will have access to DBS Private Bank’s offering in Asia. There are also cost synergies from the pooling of infrastructure, IT and other support services.

Piyush Gupta, CEO of DBS, said, “We believe that acquiring Societe Generale’s private banking franchise in Asia will strengthen our wealth management value proposition and further entrench our position as a leading bank in this region. The transaction will create value for high net worth customers from both banks and present employees with expanded career development opportunities. It is expected to be earnings accretive one year after completion, and we look forward to working closely with Societe Generale to ensure a seamless integration.”

Tan Su Shan, Group Head of Consumer Banking & Wealth Management of DBS, said, “Over the past three years, our private banking business has consistently grown by about 20% a year, putting us among the top 10 players in Asia. We have now reached a stage where we are ready for inorganic growth. This transaction will give us access to new clients and strong, experienced teams, thereby strengthening our position as a top-tier wealth manager in the region."

Jean-François Mazaud, Head of Societe Generale Private Banking, said, “Having built up a strong private banking franchise in Asia over the years with a solid team of experts, it was important for us to find the right buyer. DBS proved to be the most suitable choice – its Asian pedigree, its commitment to the wealth management business and its fast-growing track record are key strengths. The commercial partnership we intend to implement together will also represent a great opportunity for our private banking customers to fully benefit from the very best of the two banks in Europe and in Asia.”