Saham Group Completes €745 Million Acquisition of Société Générale’s Moroccan Subsidiaries

Thursday 05 December 2024 - 08:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Saham Group Completes €745 Million Acquisition of Société Générale’s Moroccan Subsidiaries

Saham Group has finalized its acquisition of Société Générale’s Moroccan banking and insurance subsidiaries, marking a significant milestone for the company and a notable return to the financial sector for its founder, Moulay Hafid Elalamy. The transaction, valued at €745 million (approximately MAD 8 billion), includes a 57.67% stake in Société Générale Marocaine de Banques (SGMB) and full ownership of La Marocaine Vie insurance company.

This deal, which was initially announced in April 2024, saw Saham Finances acquire both entities from Société Générale S.A. after receiving all necessary regulatory approvals. The Moroccan central bank, Bank Al-Maghrib, granted its approval for the transaction on November 1, followed by the official publication of the authorization on November 22.

Saham Group expressed its satisfaction with the acquisition, emphasizing its commitment to strengthening SGMB and its subsidiaries to better serve their clients in the future. The deal signifies the return of Moulay Hafid Elalamy to the financial industry after his 2018 exit from the insurance sector with the $1 billion sale of Saham Assurance to South Africa’s Sanlam.

Under the agreement, Saham has acquired Société Générale's entire stake in SGMB, including all subsidiaries, as well as the shareholdings of Sogécap in La Marocaine Vie. This acquisition is a part of Société Générale’s broader strategy, announced in September 2023, to streamline its operations and focus on core markets, including Europe and Africa. The deal is expected to positively impact Société Générale’s financial standing, specifically its Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio.

Looking ahead, Saham Finances intends to partner with SGMB and Investima to launch a tender offer for the shares of Eqdom, a consumer credit company. This strategic move demonstrates Saham Group’s broader ambitions within Morocco’s banking and financial sectors.

The deal also aligns with Morocco’s ongoing economic transformation and its increasing appeal to international investors. As Saham Group takes the reins of key financial institutions, it is poised to influence the evolution of Morocco’s banking landscape significantly.

With its successful acquisition, Saham Group underscores its resilience and ambition, positioning itself as a major player in the region’s financial sector.