The biggest lender of money to and through New Zealand dealers, UDC, has been sold in a deal worth $762 million.
Owner ANZ today announced it has agreed to sell its asset finance business to Shinsei Bank Limited.
The sale follows a strategic review of UDC Finance previously announced by ANZ Bank New Zealand, and is in line with ANZ’s strategy to simplify its business. This is the second time ANZ attempted a sale – the first, to the Chinese HNA Group was declined by the Overseas Investment Office
The purchase price represents a price-to-book ratio of 1.2x net tangible assets of NZ$637 million as at March 31, 2020.
The UDC sale is subject to regulatory approval and completion is expected in the second half of the 2020 calendar year.
The sale will also release more than NZ$2 billion of funding provided by ANZ New Zealand, further strengthening its balance sheet position.
ANZ Bank New Zealand chief executive Antonia Watson says the purchase of UDC Finance by Shinsei Bank is a significant vote of confidence in the New Zealand economy.
“With a strong outlook for infrastructure and agriculture projects as the New Zealand economy rebuilds post-Covid-19, there is a significant role for UDC Finance to play. As such, it needs an owner that can invest in and grow the business.”
Shinsei Bank Group is a diversified financial group with both banking and non-banking business divisions. Shinsei Bank Group operates both asset financing and vehicle and consumer lending businesses similar to those of UDC within Japan and offshore.
“Shinsei Bank intends to preserve UDC’s operations, retain UDC employees and provide long term capital to maintain and grow customer lending in New Zealand,” Watson says. “The sale will also mean UDC Finance will continue to operate as an independent finance company and enhance competition in the asset finance market.
Shinsei Bank chief executive Hideyuki Kudo says the company is excited to add UDC to its group.
“In the Covid-19 ‘New Normal’, we are confident that UDC, as part of Shinsei Bank Group, will continue to grow and contribute to the development of the New Zealand economy and help people and businesses in New Zealand with their financial needs,” Kudo says.
“Based on UDC’s long successful history, solid business base and efficient sales structure, UDC will be a major asset for the Shinsei Bank Group.”
