ACCESS BANK FINALLY OFFICIALLY MERGES WITH DIAMOND BANK

The Nigeria's leading financial institution, Access Bank Plc, has launched it's new brand as they merges with Diamond Bank Plc

Following the completion of its merger with Diamond Bank Plc on Sunday night launched a new brand logo, signalling the commencement of a new enlarged banking entity. The brand showcase the new logo and a new slogan — "more than banking" which would hence be visible from April 1, 2019. All banking transaction SMS Alert from Diamond Bank Plc will hence display Access Bank as sender. 

This followed the final approval by the Central Bank Of Nigeria (CBN)  and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)  two weeks ago finalising the merger process between Access Bank Plc and Diamond  Bank Plc. The two banks announced the merger in December 2018, a move that absorbed Diamond Bank Plc assets, Liabilities and undertakings and transferred to Access Bank Plc. In the deal, shareholders of Diamond Bank Plc got a cash consideration of ₦1 per share and two ordinary shares from the merger for every seven ordinary shares of Diamond Bank held effective from March 19, 2019.

The new brand logo was unveiled at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos, on march 31, 2019 with 400 branches proudly showcasing the new logo. 

Present on the event includes, the Emir of Kano, Mohammadu Sanusi II,  Aliko Dangote — founder of Dangote group, Pascal Dixie — founder of Diamond Bank Plc, Lamido Sanusi Lamido — former governor of CBN,  among others. 

During an elaborate ceremony, dignitaries gathered to witness the birth of the new banking entity. The GMD of the new entity Herbert Wigwe, thanked everyone present, especially Pascal Dozie, founder of now rested Diamond Bank Plc for handing his bank over to them. 

He added that he merger would create the finest brand in the banking industry. 

"What we want to do is to take the youthfulness, vibrancy of Diamond Bank Plc and merge it with the financial strength and trust in Access Bank Plc to create an institution that will be commendable not only in Nigeria but in Africa", said Herbert Wigwe. 

In remark, a former governor of Central Bank Of Nigeria (CBN), Lamido Sanusi Lamido showered praises to the merger, stating it's a good omen for the country, that the merger created a Nigeria banking power-house and a Pan-African financial services Champion.

Access Bank Plc is now the largest retail bank in Africa by customer base. The bank boost to 27,000 staff across 592 branches, spanning three continents, 12 countries and with over 29 Million customers base.