Lloyds Banking Group, Nationwide, and Investec are reportedly among the potential bidders for Aldermore, the UK specialist bank being sold by South African lender Firstrand. Firstrand confirmed earlier this year its intention to sell Aldermore following financial impacts from the car finance scandal.
The car finance issue, which involved undisclosed commission deals between car dealers and lenders, has led to some major banks setting aside billions in provisions. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) expects the total redress scheme for the industry to reach £9.1bn. Aldermore has allocated approximately £750m for this matter, with around 25 per cent of its loan book comprising car finance.
Lloyds Banking Group, which has already set aside £2bn in provisions for the car finance debacle, is considered a front-runner. Acquiring Aldermore's £17bn loan book could strengthen its position as a leading motor finance provider. Additionally, 40 per cent of Aldermore's loan book is in the buy-to-let (BTL) market, an area where Lloyds is already active through its subsidiary BM Solutions.
Nationwide, which holds a significant share in the BTL market, is also reportedly preparing a bid. RBC analysts anticipate Aldermore could be valued at £1.35bn. Other potential contenders include Natwest, which is currently integrating its acquisition of wealth manager Evelyn, and Investec, a direct competitor to Firstrand in South Africa, which is reportedly focusing on the UK market. Several private equity firms, including Warburg Pincus and JC Flowers in a tie-up with CVC, are also expected to submit bids.