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Kuwait’s Gulf Bank and Warba Bank are said to be exploring a potential merger, marking another significant M&A transaction in the GCC involving major lenders, after UAE’s Emirates NBD initiated a cash offer in March to acquire Emirates Islamic Bank (EIB). Warba Bank is Gulf Bank’s largest shareholder and believes that the merger would create a stronger entity to enhance competitiveness in the local Islamic banking sector whilst serving the market’s needs better. The merger discussions are in the early stages, with both banks expressing their commitment to conducting due diligence and feasibility studies. The Central Bank of Kuwait has also been informed about the ongoing talks, with regulatory approvals to be sought. Zawys reports that the move aligns with a broader trend in the Gulf region, where banks are consolidating to strengthen their positions amid a competitive financial landscape.
Warba’s dollar bonds were trading steady, with its 4% Perp at 96.8 cents on the dollar, yielding 6.2%.
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