Nordea to acquire Danske Bank’s personal customer business and associated savings assets in Norway

At the end of 2022 the business to be transferred comprised approximately 285,000 customers, lending and deposit volumes of EUR 18bn and 4bn, respectively, and approximately EUR 2bn of assets under management.

Nordea has entered into an agreement with Danske Bank (Danske) to acquire its Norwegian personal customer and private banking business and associated asset management portfolios. „The acquisition is an ideal strategic fit for Nordea and will strengthen Nordea’s market position in Norway among household customers.” according to the press release.

„The acquisition of Danske’s personal customer and private banking business in Norway fits well into Nordea’s strategy to grow in the Nordic region organically and also through bolt-on acquisitions. The transaction is expected to increase Nordea’s mortgage market share in Norway to around 16%* from currently 11%.” the company explains.

“We are very pleased to announce this acquisition, which is an important step in executing our Nordic strategy, and which expands our presence in Norway in a complementary manner. It will add significant scale to our Personal Banking business in Norway and offers value creation opportunities through clear revenue and cost synergies. Most importantly, this will serve our new customers, who will benefit from our broad financial offering, expertise and leading digital services,” says Frank Vang-Jensen, President and Group CEO of Nordea.

The acquired business will be integrated into Nordea and operated under the Nordea brand. Until closing, Danske will continue to maintain the customer relationships as previously. No action is required from customers at this stage, and they will be kept informed of the progress of the transaction.

In recent years, Nordea has materially grown its operations in the Nordic markets, including the acquisition of Norway-based Gjensidige Bank and SG Finans, and Topdanmark Life. With one of the strongest balance sheets in Europe, Nordea will continue to take the opportunities to drive profitable growth both organically and through selective acquisitions.

About the transaction

The transaction is structured as a transfer of assets and liabilities at book value. Assets will be transferred at fair value and there is no goodwill payable on the assets. Any movement in assets and liabilities between signing and closing will be reflected in the consideration at closing. Nordea only pays for the asset and liabilities that are transferred at closing.

At the end of 2022 the business to be transferred comprised:

–          approximately 285,000 customers,

–          lending and deposit volumes of EUR 18bn and 4bn, respectively, and

–          approximately EUR 2bn of assets under management.

The size of the portfolio to be transferred, and the consideration paid, will be determined at closing, at which point the transaction is expected to:

–          improve the cost-to-income ratio and return on capital at risk of Nordea’s Personal Banking Norway business,

–          decrease the CET1 ratio by approximately 40-50bps, and

–          positively impact the Nordea Group’s earnings per share and return on equity, in line with the size of the acquired portfolio.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in late 2024.