Suncorp share price in focus amid $5b bank sale

The company plans to return most of the sale's net proceeds to shareholders.

| More on:
a man sits in unhappy contemplation staring at his computer on his desk in a home environment, propping his chin on his hand.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • The Suncorp share price could be in for a big day today 
  • The financial services company has agreed to sell Suncorp Bank to ANZ for nearly $5 billion 
  • The sale will bring $4.1 billion in net proceeds – representing $3.21 per share – most of which is expected to be returned to shareholders   

The Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN) share price is on watch this morning after the company announced its plan to sell its banking business to Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ) for close to $5 billion.

The sale will see the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) financial services company focusing entirely on its insurance business.

Suncorp has also reconfirmed its previously announced financial year 2023 targets across all its businesses.

As of Friday's close, the Suncorp share price is $11.10.

Let's take a closer look at the major sale announced to the market this morning.

Suncorp share price on watch amid bank sale

The Suncorp share price could be in for a big day after the company announced its banking division is expected to be snapped by ANZ for $4.9 billion. The price tag represents $1.3 billion more than the business' net tangle assets.

Suncorp expects to rake in $4.1 billion in net proceeds from the sale – representing $3.21 per share. The company plans to return most of the funds to shareholders.

ANZ will also pay Suncorp at least $50 million to continue using the Suncorp Bank brand for five years following the sale. Under the deal, ANZ can extend the branding deal for a maximum of two years at a cost of $10 million each year.

Any transaction is still a way off, however. The companies don't expect the sale to be finalised for around 12 months.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals from the Federal Treasurer and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), as well as certain amendments to the State Financial Institutions and Metway Merger Act 1996.

Suncorp CEO Steve Johnston commented on the news that could move the company's share price today, saying:

As a dedicated insurance business we will be singularly focused on meeting the needs of our customers and communities at a time when the value of insurance has never been greater.

By combining with a larger banking group, Suncorp Bank will be well positioned for the future. Customers will see benefits including access to a wider range of products and services, and career opportunities will be enhanced for our people. ANZ is committed to growing its presence in Queensland and I am pleased about the commitments they are making to our customers and employees.

The Suncorp share price is currently around 3.5% lower than it was at the start of the year.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Mergers & Acquisitions

Businessman cheering at desk with arms in the air
Technology Shares

Xero share price halted amid $3.9b game-changing US acquisition

The market darling is aiming to accelerate growth in the US with this major deal.

Read more »

Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Which ASX All Ords stock is rocketing on takeover news?

This payments company has accepted a takeover offer.

Read more »

Contented looking man leans back in his chair at his desk and smiles.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Guess which ASX 300 stock is jumping 7% on merger news

This struggling company could be close to merging with a rival.

Read more »

Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Guess which ASX stock is up 50% on takeover offer

A takeover offer is getting investors excited this morning. Let's dig deeper into things.

Read more »

An oil worker in front of a pumpjack using a tablet PC.
Energy Shares

Santos shares rocket on $30b takeover offer

This energy giant could be going private after receiving a takeover approach.

Read more »

a woman drawing image on wall of big fish about to eat a small fish
Mergers & Acquisitions

Guess which ASX 300 share just received a takeover offer

This share is jumping today after receiving a takeover offer.

Read more »

A man sits in a chair hunched over a laptop and covered head to toe in frozen icicles to represent Envirosuite's trading halt
Mergers & Acquisitions

Johns Lyng Group shares enter trading halt. Is it a takeover target?

This ASX 200 stock looks ripe for a takeover.

Read more »

Group of people in a gym high five each other surrounded by gym equipment.
Mergers & Acquisitions

This ASX tech stock is hitting a record high on acquisition news

The market is responding positively to this news. Let's dig deeper into it.

Read more »