HSBC Continental Europe has signed a put option agreement with CrediaBank, a Greek banking group, to sell its 70.03 per cent controlling stake in HSBC Bank Malta for a cash consideration of EUR 200 million (about EUR 0.793 per share), subject to an information and consultation process with its French works council. The transaction was announced on 16 September 2025 and is expected to complete by the end of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals from the Malta Financial Services Authority, the European Central Bank, the Bank of Greece.
The stake is held by HSBC Continental Europe, the entity through which HSBC Group manages its mainland European banking operations.
CREDIABANK AND MINORITY SHAREHOLDERS
CrediaBank, the acquiring institution, is headquartered in Greece.
Under the terms of the agreement, CrediaBank will be required to present minority shareholders in HSBC Malta with an opportunity to sell their shares at a price of EUR 1.44 per share.
HSBC Malta operates a retail and commercial banking business.
EMPLOYEES AND FINANCIAL IMPACT
CrediaBank has committed to retain HSBC Malta's employees on materially the same terms for at least two years after completion.
HSBC Continental Europe expects to recognise a pre-tax loss of about EUR 0.3 billion on the transaction, and HSBC Group a pre-tax loss of about USD 0.4 billion, with an immaterial impact on the group's CET1 ratio at completion.