Former contender for Opel buy one of the oldest UK banks

Belgian investment firm RHJ International, a former contender for the acquisition of automotive concern Opel, buying British bank Kleinwort Benson for 225 million pounds ($ 364 million), reported the Financial Times. It is expected the deal to be finalized in the first quarter of next year. Through the acquisition of Kleinwort Benson – one of the oldest banks in the United Kingdom RHJ hopes to strengthen its position in the European market in financial services.
Commerzbank, which currently owns Kleinwort Benson, to be parted with it to be approved by Brussels state aid it receives to save it from bankruptcy.
Kleinwort Benson was founded in the 60 years since the merger of Kleinwort Sons & Co and Robert Benson & Co. Both companies were created in the far in 1786. Kleinwort Benson was bought by Dresdner Bank in 1995 and moved to a Commerzbank together with assets then acquired Dresdner.

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Finance