- HSBC Holdings plc (NYSE:HSBC) is considering selling its business in Canada without disclosing the potential valuation of the business. It has tapped JP Morgan Chase & Co (NYSE:JPM) to handle a potential sale.
- As per the lawyers and analysts, the potential sale could discourage big domestic banks from bidding as the government has charged the antitrust regulator to push for more competition, Reuters reported.
- Canada is one of the world's most concentrated markets. According to Reuters calculations, the top six banks control about 80% of total assets, about double the saturation of the U.S., where the top five banks control 40%.
- Related: HSBC's Largest Shareholder Stresses On Asia Business Spinoff To Boost Market Values.
- Due to high saturation, Canadian banks are expanding overseas to reduce their exposure, and the Competition Bureau Canada was granted more powers to prevent further concentration.
- Sale to a Chinese bank would not have antitrust problems but could be entangled in national security concerns.
- Analysts estimate HSBC's Canadian unit could be valued at around $5.9-$7.4 billion.
- Analysts said smaller lenders, such as the National Bank of Canada (OTC:NTIOF) and some Chinese suitors, are likely to show interest.
- The report cited Keefe, Bruyette & Woods' research note that HSBC's footprint in western Canada could give an instant diversification to Montreal-based National Bank.
- Price Action: HSBC shares are down 0.63% at $26.84 during the premarket session on the last check Thursday.
- Photo Via Company
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