HSBC to acquire Bank Ekonomi of Indonesia

*** A controlling stake in one of Indonesia’s largest SME banks ***
*** To double HSBC’s footprint in the world’s fourth most populous nation ***

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, through its wholly-owned subsidiary HSBC Asia Pacific Holdings (UK) Limited, has entered into agreements to acquire 88.89 per cent of PT Bank Ekonomi Raharja Tbk (“Bank Ekonomi”) for a consideration of US$607.5 million (or IDR 2,452 per share) to be paid in cash from HSBC’s own resources.

The acquisition will enhance HSBC’s commercial banking business in Indonesia, extend the Group’s presence in the retail banking sector and almost double HSBC’s network to over 190 outlets in 24 cities across the country.

Bank Ekonomi was established in 1989 and is listed on the Indonesian stock exchange. It has 2,200 staff and 86 outlets across Indonesia and assets of IDR 17,193 billion* (approximately US$1.8 billion) at the end of September 2008. In addition to its retail banking operations, Bank Ekonomi is one of Indonesia’s largest providers of commercial banking services. At 17 October 2008 Bank Ekonomi had a market capitalisation of IDR 4.62 trillion (approximately US$482 million) and reported profit before tax for the nine months to 30 September 2008 of IDR 231 billion* (approximately US$24 million).

Sandy Flockhart, HSBC Holdings plc Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Asia Pacific, said: "This acquisition underlines HSBC’s stated strategy to invest in fast growing emerging markets. With almost 125 years’ presence in the country we recognise the enormous growth opportunities ahead for Indonesia, with a GDP growth over 5.5 per cent in each of the past three years, rich natural resources, thriving commodities trade and foreign direct investment inflows, favourable demographics and the world’s fourth largest population of 235 million people.

“This acquisition increases our presence in Indonesia, putting us in the top three foreign banks in the country. HSBC will deliver its full local, regional and international capabilities to our expanded Indonesian customer base, offering the breadth and depth of product and service quality for which HSBC is renowned.”

Rakesh Bhatia, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC in Indonesia, added: “Bank Ekonomi will nearly double our reach across Indonesia and provide a firm footing in the commercial and retail banking sectors. Its strong SME banking and retail lending franchise will complement HSBC’s global expertise in all business lines.”

Under the terms of the agreements, HSBC will acquire a 38.84 per cent stake from PT Lumbung Artakencana, 38.60 per cent from PT Alas Pusaka and 11.45 per cent from individual shareholders of Bank Ekonomi. Under Indonesian law, HSBC will be required to make a Mandatory Tender Offer (“MTO”) for a further 10.11 per cent of Bank Ekonomi. Details of the MTO will be published in the Indonesian press and distributed to Bank Ekonomi shareholders in accordance with local regulations.

The transaction is subject to obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals in Indonesia and elsewhere.

HSBC was advised on the acquisition by the Global Banking and Markets division of the HSBC Group.

* Prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Indonesia.