Atlas Mara Limited, the sub-Saharan African financial services group, on Monday, denied media reports that it has received offers from local banks looking to buy over Union Bank.
The Company said “While it is the Company’s practice to refrain from comment on market rumours or speculation, we believe it is important to note that Atlas Mara has not received any offers from any local Nigerian bank or other bank wishing to acquire the Company’s stake in Union Bank of Nigeria (“UBN”).
“As previously announced to the market in 2019, the Board of the Company has been exploring a wide range of strategic options with the assistance of external advisers. That process is still underway and the Company’s strategic objectives have not changed.”
ThisDay, Premium Times and other leading online publications in Nigeria had claimed Atlas Mara, that own 50 percent stake in Union Bank of Nigeria has started receiving interests from interested local banks. A rumour that has now been debunked.
Also, speaking on the rumours, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc said the lender is not in the process of selling a 50 percent stake as claimed an online publication, Premium Times on January 23, 2021.
Union Bank said, “Please note that the unsubstantiated report is based on mere rumours and speculations.”
“The Nigerian Stock Exchange, other regulatory agencies and members of the public arehereby advised to disregard the publication in its entirety.”