The Dutch government plans to halve its stake in ABN Amro Bank NV, reducing its holding from 20.7% to 10.5% through a trading plan managed by state investment vehicle NLFI. The move brings the bank closer to full private ownership. ABN Amro had a market value of about €34.5 billion ($38.7 billion) at Tuesday’s close.
CEO Marguerite Berard welcomed the decision as "additional proof of the confidence the Dutch government has" in the bank. The state has been ABN Amro’s largest holder since bailing it out during the 2008 financial crisis and has been gradually selling down its stake for years, aided by rising valuations. In late July, it sold shares worth approximately €2.5 billion.
ABN Amro shares fell 1.3% in Amsterdam trading but have risen about 40% this year, making it a top European finance performer. Berard, a former BNP Paribas executive, has led restructuring efforts including job cuts, divestments, and acquisitions such as the €960 million purchase of NIBC Bank and Hauck Aufhäuser Lampe. She targets a 12% return on equity by 2028 and a cost-income ratio below 55%.
The Dutch government and ABN Amro confirmed that NLFI’s information rights will remain if its stake stays at or above 10%. Speculation continues about potential interest from BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, and KBC Group.
Source: Bloomberg Markets · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing