FINANCIAL services group BoE plans to acquire consumer credit specialist Credcor for R637m, in a deal which would boost its performance. BoE said in a statement it was offering 296 cents per share to boost its 14% stake in Credcor to 100% – a significant premium over its closing price on Tuesday of 269 cents. “It not only enhances our existing mix of businesses, but also fits with our strategy to increase the group’s investment in the lower income end of the retail market where major growth opportunities exist,” BOE chief executive Tom Boardman said. If the acquisition had been made in 2000, the deal would have boosted BoE’s earnings per share by one cent, with return on equity up to 16.2% from 15.8%, the BoE statement said.