Oman International Bank (OIB) is eyeing up
a possible merger with the Oman business unit of HSBC.
HSBC is currently
reviewing the extent of its Middle Eastern-based business
operations, in particular its operations in Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon
and Bahrain.
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In a statement released
on 7 October, Ali Juma, chairman of OIB, said:
“OIB is in early stage
negotiations about a merger of its business with HSBC’s Oman
operations.
“We are not discussing
buying HSBC’s business in Oman. If the negotiations proceed to an
agreement, it will lead to a merger”
OIB is Oman’s fifth
largest bank by assets, and HSBC is number six.
OIB currently operates a
retail banking branch network of 81 outlets.
HSBC has 5 full service
branches in addition to 3 customer service units in
Oman.
“Combined, they would have
the scale to be a leading player in the fast-growing Omani banking
market,” added Juma.
For the six months to 30
June, OIB posted a net profit of OMR8.38m ($21.75m), down 10.4%
year-on-year.
OIB’s retail banking
division recorded a profit before tax of OMR5.58m, flat compared
with the same period a year ago.
