Indosuez Wealth Management, a wealth management brand of Crédit Agricole Group, said that its subsidiary CA Indosuez Wealth (Europe) has signed an agreement to acquire 67.67 per cent of Banca Leonardo, a leading wealth manager in Italy.

CA Indosuez Wealth (Europe) signed the agreement with GBH S.p.A., Exor S.A., Eurazeo S.A., Swilux S.A., and Torreal S.A., the main shareholders of Banca Leonardo.

It will offer the other shareholders of Banca Leonardo to purchase their shares at the same price and conditions, so that CA Indosuez Wealth (Europe) may ultimately own up to 100 per cent of Banca Leonardo.

Acquiring Banca Leonardo will allow Indosuez Wealth Management to further enhance its existing wealth management capabilities and offering in the Italian market, adding 5.9 billion euros (($6.8 billion) (as of June 30, 2017) in assets under management (AuM).

The acquisition will bring a client portfolio predominantly composed of High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs). The combined business will provide added-value services to new and existing HNWI clients, as well as support to Crédit Agricole Italia through active cooperation, enhancing client satisfaction and profitability.

The deal is fully in line with Crédit Agricole Group’s Medium-Term Plan “Strategic Ambition 2020”.

 Paul de Leusse, chief executive officer of Indosuez Wealth Management, commented: “We are delighted to have reached this agreement with the shareholders of Banca Leonardo, a strong and recognized wealth manager in Italy.

“The acquisition is in line with our Shaping Indosuez 2020 strategic plan, which includes selective acquisitions in our key domestic markets in Europe. The wealth management sector in Italy, which is expected to grow at a rate of four per cent per annum, offers great opportunities for growth and innovation and we look forward to working with our new colleagues from Banca Leonardo to enhance our positioning and expand our business in Italy.”

Gerardo Braggiotti, chairman of Banca Leonardo, said: “On this important day for the staff and clients of Banca Leonardo, I would like to express my gratitude to our talented teams who have contributed to building the bank’s profile to become a leading wealth manager in Italy. I am confident that this deal will support Banca Leonardo in playing a leading role in the consolidation of the wealth management sector in Italy. This process will be beneficial for both our staff and our clients.”

Giampiero Maioli, senior country officer for Crédit Agricole in Italy & CEO of Gruppo Bancario Crédit Agricole Italia said:  "This transaction is another major milestone during a very eventful year for the Crédit Agricole group in Italy.”

“With the acquisition of Pioneer by Amundi, the agreement to acquire CariCesena, CariRim and CR San Miniato, expected to be completed by year-end, as well as the further development in Italian Commercial Banking, Crédit Agricole Group has further demonstrated its commitment to Italy, its second largest market.

“This strengthening of our offering in wealth management will allow the Group to better serve High net worth individuals and further develop synergies between the different activities of the bank to the benefit of our customers, stakeholders and staff. It reinforces our already strong position in Italy and broadens the range of products and services offered to our 3.5 million clients,” Maioli added.

Indosuez Wealth Management will work closely with Banca Leonardo to ensure a smooth process for the transaction and to release the full potential of the acquisition for both employees and clients.

The transaction will be subject to the approval of the relevant supervisory authorities. It is expected to be finalised in the first half of 2018.

The impact of this transaction on the CET1 ratio of Crédit Agricole S.A. and of Crédit Agricole Group will be below 5 basis points. – TradeArabia News Service