BHF Kleinwort Benson : Kleinwort Benson Bank secures strategic investor and partner in Samena Capital

Brussels, 26 May 2015  - BHF Kleinwort Benson Group (the "Company" or "BHF KB") today announced that Samena Capital ("Samena"), the premier investment group focused on principal investments in the Subcontinent, Asia, Middle East and North Africa, (collectively known as the SAMENA region), will acquire a stake of up to 31.2% of Kleinwort Benson Bank Ltd ("KBBL"), Kleinwort Benson's London-based private banking and corporate advisory subsidiary, for cash consideration of £15 million, valuing KBBL at its projected net asset value by the end of 2015. Samena will have an option to increase its ownership to 39.9% during 3 years following completion of the transaction. The transaction brings together an unparalleled group of high net worth, entrepreneurial shareholders from Europe and across the SAMENA markets with a view to advancing their shared desire for a return to relationship-driven banking and access to differentiated investment opportunities. The transaction is expected to close by the third quarter of 2015, subject to closing conditions, including regulatory approval. Following the closing, the shareholders also intend to establish a new global merchant banking operation under KBBL in Dubai to offer advisory services for corporate activity in the region. 

The press release from Kleinwort Benson and Samena Capital is available on Kleinwort Benson's website using the following link: http://www.kleinwortbenson.com/news-and-insights/press-releases/2015/  

BHF Kleinwort Benson (Euronext: BHFKB) is a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of Belgium, having its registered office at Avenue Louise 326, 1050 Brussels, Belgium. BHF Kleinwort Benson is a merchant bank with principal activities in private banking, asset management and financial markets & corporates.

 For further information visit: www.bhfkleinwortbenson.com