S&P Ratings on HDFC unaffected by proposed merger with Centurion

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services on 25th February 2008 said, that its ratings and outlook on India's HDFC Bank Ltd. (BBB-/Stable/A-3) will not be immediately affected by the announcement of the bank's proposed merger with India's privately owned Centurion Bank of Punjab Ltd. (Centurion).

Despite Centurion being about one-fifth of HDFC Bank in terms of balance sheet size, the latter's business profile is likely to be strengthened by the merger as Centurion has a good financial profile.

According to Standard & Poor's, merger is expected to strengthen HDFC Bank's distribution network--and hence the bank's market position--especially in the Indian states of Punjab and Kerala. This deal will add 394 branches and 452 ATMs to HDFC Bank's existing 754 branches and 1,906 ATMs.

Likely capital infusion by a preferential offer of shares to its promoter, HDFC Ltd., will further bolster HDFC Bank's capitalization.

Nevertheless, Standard & Poor's will continue to closely monitor the progress of the merger and integration plan. If the deal is likely to materially weaken HDFC Bank's credit profile, the ratings or outlook on the bank could be negatively affected.

HDFC Bank to acquire Centurion Bank of Punjab... Click here
Fitch Ratings on HDFC Bank affirmed with a Stable Outlook ... Click here


Lord Krishna Bank merge with Centurion Bank of Punjab... Click here
Bank of Punjab (BoP) and Centurion Bank (CB) merge... Click here
State Bank of Saurashtra to merge with State Bank of India ... Click here
Cross-border banking consolidation continues... Click here
Read about M&A in Indian Banking Industry ... Click here

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