As Landsbanki has previously stated, the diversification of its international
operations is a clear strategic priority. The ultimate aim of this strategy is
to achieve a broad sectoral and geographical diversification of assets, funding
and income through the addition of value enhancing complementary businesses.
Landsbanki and Cenkos today announced the commencement of discussions with the
management of Close Brothers Group plc for the possible submission of a
recommended takeover bid for the Company, whereby Landsbanki would acquire its
banking operations.
Landsbanki would like to highlight the following points:
The proposed transaction would positively contribute to the
diversification of Landsbanki's balance sheet and revenue. Revenue originating
outside of Iceland would increase to around 60% from the current level of 47%.
Landsbanki's retail banking income would strengthen and represent 33% of core
income as defined by the bank, up from 17%.*
Landsbanki has already strengthened its capital base by issuing USD
400 million Tier 1 capital in October of 2007 and has the support of its
largest shareholder Samson Holding to increase the bank's equity.
The banking operations of Close Brothers plc are very well funded with
a deposit-to-loan ratio of 117%, giving the company an exceptionally strong
liquidity position. This would positively affect Landsbanki's already strong
deposit-to-loan ratio of 76%, should the proposed transaction be concluded.*
As of 10 January 2008, Landsbanki has liquid assets of EUR 8.9
billion. The bank has a comfortable maturity profile going forward, with
long-term debt falling due in 2008 amounting to only EUR 0.8 billion.
Landsbanki's overseas deposits programs continue to strengthen and
several new initiatives are in the pipeline to further diversify the bank's
funding base.
In addition to the above-mentioned, it is important to reiterate that
Landsbanki has no exposure to the US sub-prime mortgage market, asset backed
securities (ABS), collateralised debt obligations (CDOs), collateralised loan
obligations (CLOs), structured investment vehicles (SIVs), or any such
structured vehicles. This places Landsbanki in an especially strong position to
meet the current, unusally adverse, conditions on global financial markets and
continue to pursue the bank's strategic objectives.
* Based on publically disclosed financial accounts for Close Brothers Limited
plc as of 31 July 2007 and Landsbanki Íslands hf as of 30 September 2007.
Estimates are based on historical performance.
Any earnings enhancements and merger benefit statements which may be contained
herein are not, and should not be interpreted or construed to be profit
forecasts. Such statements should therefore not be taken to mean that earnings
per share will necessarily be greater than those for the relevant preceding
financial period.
For further information:
Landsbanki - Tinna Molphy, Head of Investor Relations, ir@landsbanki.is and
tel: +354 410 7200 / mob: +354 861 1440.
Media Relations - Andrew Walton, Financial Dynamics, tel: +44 20 7269 7204 /
mob: +44 7711 264 157.
About Landsbanki
Landsbanki is a growing European bank with total assets of ISK 2,847 billion
(EUR 32.4 bn) at 30 September 2007 and a market capitalisation of ISK 355
billion (EUR 3.8 bn) at 11 January 2008. Through its extensive distribution
network of 2,499 employees in 17 countries, Landsbanki is set to deliver
targeted financial services based on local expertise for mid-cap corporates in
Europe. Landsbanki provides retail and corporate banking, investment banking,
capital markets services, asset management and wealth management for private
banking clients. Landsbanki's unique product line includes access to both debt
and equity markets and its research department is among the most comprehensive
in Europe, including some 90 analysts covering close to 900 European stocks.
The market leader of the Icelandic financial service sector, Landsbanki's
growth in recent years has been primarily organic, based upon small
strategically acquired platforms in the UK, Ireland and Continental Europe.
Most recently, the bank acquired the securities broker and investment bank
Bridgewell in the UK.
Headquartered in Reykjavik, Iceland, Landsbanki Islands hf. is traded on the
OMX Nordic Exchange Iceland under the symbol <LAIS IR>. Landsbanki is rated by
Moody's (Aa3 / P-1 / C / Stable) and Fitch (A / F1 / B/C / Stable).
