Translated material
Closer to the Czechs
PPF Group increased its stake in NOMOS Bank to a blocking stake
NOMOS Bank has become almost a third Czech: PPF Group increased its stake in the credit institution from 17.69 to 29.9% of shares. Since September 2007, PPF has already purchased shares of this bank three times. Most likely, experts believe, this step of the Czech group will not be the last: over time, PPF Group will acquire almost half of NOMOS Bank.PPF Group bought a 12.21% stake from the bank's Russian shareholders. As you know, NOMOS is controlled by the ICT group, among its beneficiaries are Alexander Nesis (owns 18.21% of shares), Alexey Gudaitis (13.66%), Nikolay Dobrinov (13.66%). As the press service of the credit institution stated yesterday, the Czechs bought 6.77% of the shares from Dalemead Limited. The bank did not say which shareholders PPF Group acquired the rest of the stake from. The parties also did not disclose the transaction amount. According to Maxim Osadchy, a senior analyst at IG Antanta Capital, a 12.21% stake in NOMOS Bank probably cost the Czechs no less than $300 million. According to the results of the first quarter, the bank took 14th place in the Interfax-CEA ranking in terms of assets (205.89 billion rubles) and 20th in terms of capital (21.49 billion rubles).
PPF Group owns a stake in NOMOS Bank through its 100% subsidiary Russia Finance Corporation BV. Last September it bought a 5% stake in NOMOS Bank, and in December bought an additional issue of shares for $200 million, increasing its stake to 13.8%. voting shares (11.9% of the authorized capital). In February 2008, PPF Group's share in NOMOS Bank increased to 17.69% of the authorized capital.
According to Mr. Osadchy, over time the Czech group will receive a stake in the bank of 50% minus one share. Neither party has yet officially announced plans to increase the PPF share. But earlier, a source close to the bank reported that the Czechs were seeking control over almost 50% of the shares. In the near future, a new issue of the bank will be registered in the amount of 4.7 billion rubles, after which its authorized capital will increase by 7.5%. Among those who may take part in the placement of these shares are Russia Finance Corporation BV, Lobston Enterprises Limited, Polyprom Holding BV, Stanhigh Limited and Vitalscope Limited. All these companies represent the interests of the bank's existing shareholders. Initially, when PPF and NOMOS agreed on cooperation, it was assumed that a banking group would be created, which, in addition to this bank, would also include Home Credit and Finance Bank, which is 100% owned by the Czech group. Subsequently, however, these plans were abandoned. However, according to Mr. Osadchy, the integration of Home Credit and NOMOS Bank should not be completely ruled out.