Global banking giant HSBC announced on Friday that it had scrapped talks with British insurer Old Mutual over the purchase of a majority holding in South Africa’s Nedbank.
“HSBC Holdings announces that discussions with Old Mutual about the possible acquisition of a majority stake in Nedbank Group Limited have not been successfully concluded and have ended,” HSBC said in a brief statement.
“Notwithstanding this, HSBC remains committed to the South African market and to growing its business in South Africa.”
Shortly beforehand, Old Mutual had released a separate statement which also revealed the news.
“Old Mutual has been informed today that HSBC will not proceed with a partial offer for Nedbank following the expiry of the agreed exclusivity period,” the insurance company said in a statement.
“Consequently, Old Mutual is no longer in discussions with HSBC concerning its shareholding in Nedbank.
“The reasons for HSBC’s withdrawal were not disclosed to Old Mutual, but were not, as far as Old Mutual is aware, related to any adverse findings during HSBC’s due diligence.”
Earlier on Friday, press reports had suggested that HSBC was close to abandoning its plan to buy a controlling stake in Nedbank. — AFP