Investing.com -- DNB Bank ASA (OL:DNB) (OTC:DNBBY), Norway's biggest bank, has said it will buy Carnegie Holding AB, a leading Nordic investment bank and asset manager, for SEK 12 billion ($1.14 billion).
The transaction, expected to close in the first half of 2025, is subject to regulatory approval in various jurisdictions, as per a statement from DNB Bank.
Carnegie Holding AB generates 56% of its revenue from investment services and 44% from wealth management.
The deal is part of DNB’s strategy to expand its presence across the Nordic region.
“By merging Carnegie and DNB Markets into DNB Carnegie we significantly enhance our ability to serve our clients across the Nordics,” said Tony Elofsson, CEO of Carnegie in a statement.
The combined entity, to be rebranded as DNB Carnegie, aims to strengthen its position in investment banking, securities brokerage, and wealth management.
DNB's CEO, Kjerstin Braathen, said that Carnegie is a strategic fit, enhancing DNB's services and accelerating the bank’s shift toward increasing fee-related income.
The deal will also boost DNB’s wealth management operations by leveraging Carnegie’s established presence in Sweden and other Nordic markets.
Financially, the deal is set to contribute more than SEK 1 billion to DNB’s earnings from 2025, before accounting for synergies. DNB expects a return on invested capital of over 15% once Carnegie is fully integrated.
The deal will impact DNB's Common Equity Tier 1 ratio, lowering it by around 120 basis points, though it remains well above regulatory requirements.
Carnegie, as of September 2024, managed SEK 436 billion in assets and reported a net income of SEK 535 million for the first nine months of the year.
DNB was advised by DNB Markets and Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS), with Mannheimer Swartling acting as legal counsel.