Banco BPM shares rise after lender unveils €1.6 bn bid for asset manager Anima

Investing.com - Italy's Banco BPM has announced plans to offer a buyout to take full control of asset manager Anima Holding, in a deal that is expected to be worth up to 1.6 billion euros.

In a statement on Thursday, Banco BPM said the transaction is based on its insurance business taking at least a roughly 67% stake in Anima.

By conducting the deal through the insurance unit, Banco BPM, which currently has a 22% interest in Anima, can increase its stake while using minimal capital. Earlier this year, France's BNP Paribas (OTC:BNPQY ) carried out a similar purchase of the asset manager of insurer AXA vis its BNP Paribad Cardif unit.

The move comes as Banco BPM is attempting to shore up its fee revenues as it grapples with a decline in borrowing costs that have recently boosted profits.

"This structure provides positive foundations for a stable and lasting growth of the profit and loss accounts, also in terms of diversification of revenues in a scenario of a prospective reduction in the level of interest rates," Banco BPM wrote.

Once completed, Banco BPM said it expects fees from services and commission will rise to 45% of core revenues, up from its current level of 37%.

For Anima shareholders, Banco BPM is offering a cash consideration of 6.20 euros per share, representing a 24.9% premium to Anima's average price over the six months preceding Nov. 5.

"[T]he transaction will bring important benefits for Banco BPM’s shareholders, with an increase of the revenue per share compared to the business Plan equal to [circa] 10%," the bank added.

Shares in both Banco BPM and Anima were higher in European trading on Thursday.

Source: Investing.com