12
November
2010
METROPOL has completed a deal with SBI Holdings
In Tokyo, IFC METROPOL and Japanese SBI Holdings Inc. signed a
statement on completing the purchase by SBI of 50% in the capital
of the United Investment Bank (OBIBANK, a METROPOL Group
company).
The statement was signed by head of METROPOL Group of Companies
Mikhail Slipenchuk and CEO of SBI Holdings Yoshitaka Kitao.
The purpose of the deal is to implement and develop in Russia
advanced internet-banking technologies that proved well in Japan.
After completing the deal and receiving approvals and licenses for
operation in the Russian market, SBI Holdings will become a
co-owner of OBIBANK.
Earlier, on February 1, 2010, the parties signed a Memorandum of
Understanding that defined the basic terms of the purchase by SBI
Holdings a stake in OBIBANK and further financial activities in
Russia with the use of internet-banking services.
Commenting on the signed statement, Head of METROPOL Group of
Companies Mikhail Slipenchuk said: "We believe that the deal
between METROPOL Group of Companies and SBI Holdings will open a
new phase in the development of internet-banking services in
Russia.
SBI Sumishin Net Bank, which is part of SBI Holdings created
with the participation of Sumitomo Trust Group, has unique
breakthrough technologies for providing safe, convenient and, most
importantly, reliable internet-banking services. With the help of
Japanese experience and technologies, I believe OBIBANK will become
a leader in the Russian market of internet-banking services."
