FBN Holdings Plc, the holding company for First Bank of Nigeria and its former subsidiaries, has announced ongoing discussions to fully divest from its insurance arm, FBN Insurance Business Limited.
In a regulatory filing at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), FBN Holdings stated that it has started discussions with its partner Sanlam Emerging Markets, which holds 35 per cent equity stake in FBN Insurance Limited, on proposed sale of FBN Holdings’ 65 per cent majority equity stake in FBN Insurance Limited.
Sanlam Group has been associated with and has been the other shareholder of FBN Insurance Plc since it was established in 2010. Sanlam with over 100 years experience and expertise in Insurance, asset management, wealth management and investments is one of the leading Insurance companies in Africa.
According to the formal notice sent to the Exchange and signed by the Company Secretary Seye Kosoko, FBN Holdings stated that the move was in line with the “group’s strategic objectives” adding that they are currently engaging the regulators for the necessary approvals.
FBN Holdings however assured the Exchange that further announcement will be made if the transaction is concluded. The proposed divestment is said to be a strategic business decision for FBN Holdings. When completed, the transaction will involve the transfer of FBN Holdings’ 65 per cent stake in FBN Insurance Limited to Sanlam.
The notification to the NSE is one of the statutory steps required of listed companies when considering a market-sensitive decision or transaction. In deference to Rule 17.5 of the Rule Book of the Exchange 2015, FBN Holdings first notified the market of the development in the directors’ report section of its audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019 which was released to the Exchange on Monday, April 6, 2020.
Key extracts of the audited report for the year ended December 31, 2019 showed that FBN Holdings posted a profit before tax of N84 billion, representing a growth of 31 per cent over N64 billion recorded in 2018. Profit after taxation rose by 27 per cent to N74 billion in 2019 as against N58 billion reported in 2018. The board of directors has recommended payment of sum of N13.64 billion as cash dividend for the 2019 business year, representing a dividend per share of 38 kobo, an increase of 46 per cent over payout for the 2018 business year.
The proposed divestment will unlock significant value to leverage the group’s strength in its core business for which it is renowned.
FBN Insurance was founded as a life insurer in 2010 with a vision to be Nigeria’s first choice in risk underwriting, wealth preservation and financial security. Today, the company has grown to become one of the best insurance companies in Nigeria with a subsidiary that undertakes general insurance business offering a broad range of investment and risk underwriting products.
FBN Insurance is known and well respected for its quality of service, integrity, innovation and professionalism. It was awarded the ‘Best Life Insurance Company in Nigeria’ for the past four years consecutively.