Streamlining business model, focusing on high-net-worth clients in France, Luxembourg, Monaco

  • Societe Generale sells U.K. and Swiss subsidiaries to Union Bancaire Privee for €900 million
  • Deal expected to complete by Q1 2023
  • Assets under management totaled €25 billion in December

French bank Societe Generale has agreed to sell its U.K. and Swiss subsidiaries, SG Kleinwort Hambros and Societe Generale Private Banking Suisse, to Union Bancaire Privee for €900 million ($982.1 million). The deal is part of the bank’s strategy to streamline its business model and focus on high-net-worth clients in France, Luxembourg, and Monaco. The assets under management of these businesses amounted to almost €25 billion at the end of December. The sale is expected to add about 10 basis points to Societe Generale’s common equity Tier 1 ratio, a measure of financial stability. The transaction is subject to approval from financial and regulatory authorities.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about the sale of Societe Generale’s banking subsidiaries in the U.K. and Switzerland, the value of the deal, the involved parties, the expected completion date, the assets under management, and the bank’s strategic focus. It also mentions the potential impact on the group’s financial stability. However, it lacks some details about the specific reasons behind the sale and the implications for Societe Generale’s business model.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about Societe Generale selling its banking subsidiaries in the U.K. and Switzerland, with a clear focus on the financial aspect of the deal and its impact on the bank’s strategy. It also mentions the expected completion timeline and regulatory approval process. However, it lacks analysis or exploration of long-term trends or consequences for those affected by the decision.
Public Companies: Societe Generale (GLE)
Private Companies: Union Bancaire Privee,SG Kleinwort Hambros,Societe Generale Private Banking Suisse
Key People: Adam Whittaker (Writer)


Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The French bank’s stock price (Societe Generale) and the private banking sector in the U.K. and Switzerland
Financial Rating Justification: This article discusses a significant transaction involving Societe Generale, a major financial institution, selling its subsidiaries in the U.K. and Switzerland, which will impact their business model and potentially affect the stock price of the company. It also mentions the private banking sector in these countries.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the text.

Reported publicly: www.wsj.com