Zenith Bank to raise N290 billion through rights issue, public offer

Zenith Bank Plc is set to raise N290 billion through a combination of a rights issue and a public offer as in compliance with the new minimum capital requirements for Nigerian commercial banks introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The announcement was made during a signing ceremony held yesterday in Lagos.

This event marks a significant milestone in the bank’s previously announced capital-raising programme, aimed at bolstering its capital base and supporting its growth trajectory across its banking and non-banking subsidiaries.

The rights issue offers 5,232,748,964 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N36 per share, while it offers for subscription 2,767,251,036 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N36.5 per share in public offer.

The rights issue allows existing shareholders to purchase additional shares in proportion to their current holdings and is being offered based on one new ordinary share for every six existing ordinary shares held as of July 24.

Conversely, the public offer for subscription is open to the general public and aims to attract new investors.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank, Dr Adaora Umeoji expressed enthusiasm about the rights issue and public offer, stating: “Today, we signed the transaction documents concerning Zenith Bank’sN290 billion rights issue and public offer.

This is slightly above the N230 billion required for us to meet the CBN’s minimum recapitalisation requirement. We are extremely pleased with the level of enthusiasm we have already seen from our existing shareholders for the rights issue.

Beyond existing shareholders, incorporating a public offer is crucial to ensure that our customers, who are not yet shareholders, can have the opportunity to join in the ownership of this premium brand.

“In terms of Tier-1 Capital, Zenith Bank has been adjudged by The Banker, Financial Times to be number one in Nigeria and the only Nigerian Bank in the top 600 banks globally. Over the years, we have consistently rewarded our esteemed shareholders. Specifically, in the last five years, we have maintained the record as the highest dividend-paying Bank in Nigeria. In 2023, we set a record as the only Nigerian Bank to pay a dividend of N4 per share.”

She added that the proceeds from the capital raise will be channelled towards expanding banking operations across Africa and internationally, investing in technology infrastructure, and supporting working capital on an ongoing basis. She expressed optimism that given Zenith Bank’s track record of profitability and consistency in creating wealth for shareholders, the capital raise will be a resounding success. She assured prospective investors that Zenith Bank will maintain its leadership in dividend payout in the years ahead and encouraged them to invest in value and invest in Zenith Bank.

The chief executive also expressed her profound gratitude to the Founder and Chairman, Dr Jim Ovia, whose vision over 34 years ago laid the foundation for a reputable, dominant, globally recognised financial institution known for innovation, superior performance, and the creation of premium value for all stakeholders.

The Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited, Oladele Sotubo, commended the management of Zenith Bank for their commitment to the transaction, which provides an opportunity for existing shareholders to consolidate their position and welcomes new investors to join the journey towards the future of Zenith Bank. He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity for Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited to lead and guide the execution of the transactions.

Speaking further, he said: “A combined offer that is both a Rights Issue and a Public Offer confirms Zenith Bank’s position as a pacesetter and a role model, which will undoubtedly spur more transactions in the capital market.”

The lead issuing house for the Rights Issue and Public Offer is Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited, with joint issuing houses including Quantum Zenith Capital & Investments Limited, CardinalStone Partners Limited, Meristem Capital Limited, Chapel Hill Denham Advisory Limited,Coronation Merchant Bank Limited and Vetiva Advisory Services Limited.

The Offer will open on August 1 and close on Monday, September 9.