Barclays PLC (“Barclays”) announces that, further to the announcement on 9 February 2024, Barclays Bank UK PLC (“Barclays UK”) has successfully completed the acquisition of the retail banking business of Tesco Personal Finance plc (“TPF”, operating using the trading name “Tesco Bank”). The acquired business includes credit cards, unsecured personal loans, deposits and the operating infrastructure which, following completion of the acquisition, will continue to be operated under the ownership and management of Barclays UK.
In conjunction with completion of the acquisition, Barclays UK has entered into a long-term, exclusive strategic partnership with Tesco Stores Limited for an initial period of 10 years to market and distribute credit cards, unsecured personal loans and deposits using the Tesco brand, as well as explore other opportunities to offer financial services to Tesco customers through Tesco’s distribution channels and on the open market.
This partnership builds on Barclays UK’s existing strategic partnerships with other leading UK retail, consumer electronics and loyalty programme brands. Following completion of the transaction, the business will continue to operate under the “Tesco Bank” brand, under the management of Barclays UK.
C.S. Venkatakrishnan, Group Chief Executive of Barclays, commented:
“This acquisition is an important step in increasing our investment in the UK. We look forward to collaborating with Tesco Group on delivering Tesco-branded financial services. We are delighted to welcome all transferring Tesco Bank employees and customers to Barclays.”
Vim Maru, Chief Executive of Barclays UK, commented:
“Today marks a significant step as we continue to grow Barclays UK. We will bring the strength of both businesses together, benefitting customers and colleagues. I am excited that the combination of our brands, alongside the benefits of Clubcard and its loyalty scheme, will support millions of households across the UK with their financial needs.”
Ken Murphy, Group Chief Executive of Tesco, commented:
“We are delighted to be working alongside Barclays to unlock even greater value for Tesco Bank customers. Through our strategic partnership, customers will have access to new and innovative propositions, while continuing to enjoy the unique benefits of Tesco Clubcard. This is a significant moment for all our colleagues at Tesco Bank and I want to say a heartfelt thank you for all their hard work, helping millions of loyal customers to manage their money for more than 25 years. Their dedication is relentless and I know that this new partnership with Barclays will only build on their success.”
The consideration payable by Barclays UK at completion was £0.6 billion, subject to customary post-completion purchase price adjustments. Tangible net assets of the acquired business at completion were £1.0 billion, comprising, inter alia, of £4.2 billion of gross credit card receivables and £4.2 billion of gross unsecured personal loans, together with £6.8 billion in customer deposits. The transaction is expected to result in the recognition of an estimated pre-tax profit of c. £0.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024 generating a c. 50 basis points benefit for FY 2024 Group RoTE. The transaction has been financed from Barclays’ existing cash resources and is estimated to reduce the Barclays Group’s CET1 ratio by c. 20 basis points primarily as a result of the addition of c. £7 billion of risk weighted assets.
Barclays UK will integrate the acquired Tesco Bank business over time and the transaction is expected to be accretive to Group RoTE post integration.
