Ghost Stories

Ghost Stories Ep23: Unpacking the African Bank Strategy (with CEO Kennedy Bungane)


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After I wrote critically about the pricing of African Bank’s deal to acquire two businesses out of Sasfin, the company contacted me to discuss the thinking behind the deal in more detail. I was highly impressed with the willingness to engage, especially as African Bank graciously recognised that Ghost Mail’s free-to-read format is only made possible by partners.

The bank opted to sponsor a podcast appearance by African Bank CEO Kennedy Bungane, who has been in the banking industry for over two decades. As with everything I do, a paid appearance doesn’t impact the independence of my questions and the overall approach to the show.

With the important disclosures now out of the way, I can give you a taste of what we discussed:

  • The important history of African Bank, particularly in the South African context.
  • An overview of what the bank does differently today vs. the previous chapter in African Bank’s life that ended in curatorship.
  • Examples of how the bank is adding customers through partnerships, with an expanded product suite to service these customers.
  • African Bank’s framework for successful acquisitions, ranging from strategic fit through to earnings accretion, execution difficulty, cultural fit and longevity.
  • An overview of the Grindrod Bank and Ubank acquisitions.
  • The client ecosystem strengthened through the Sasfin acquisitions and the synergies with the rest of the group.
  • The extent of talent and systems acquired as part of these deals.
  • The strategy of lowering the cost of equity to unlock more lucrative returns in these businesses.
  • The branding strategy with these acquisitions.
  • Of course, the proof of these acquisitions will be in the pudding. I’m grateful to be able to bring you this podcast that gives insights into how corporate M&A works and the type of thinking that goes into these transactions.

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    Ghost StoriesBy The Finance Ghost


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