Raiffeisen to Acquire BBVA's Romania Unit for $680 Million

• The transaction will have a negative 60 basis point impact on Raiffeisen's CET1 capital ratio, while BBVA expects a positive 10 basis point boost to its CET1 ratio and €112 million income statement benefit
• Raiffeisen plans to integrate the acquired business with its existing Romanian operations in what CEO Johann Strobl called 'one of the most attractive banking markets in Central and Eastern Europe'
• The deal marks a pivot for Raiffeisen toward core CEE markets amid ongoing pressure to withdraw from Russia due to geopolitical tensions and sanctions

Summary: Raiffeisen to Acquire BBVA's Romania Unit for $680 Million

Key Transaction Details:

Austria's Raiffeisen Bank announced the acquisition of Garanti BBVA's Romanian operations for €591 million ($680 million) on March 28. The deal represents Raiffeisen's first major acquisition in recent years and is expected to close in Q4 2025.

Strategic Significance:

The acquisition will make Raiffeisen the third-largest bank in Romania by total assets after integrating the purchase with its existing Romanian operations. CEO Johann Strobl described Romania as "one of the most attractive banking markets in Central and Eastern Europe," highlighting the bank's focus on organic growth and acquisitions in core markets.

Market Context:

This deal marks a strategic pivot for Raiffeisen, which has faced sustained pressure to exit Russia following its invasion of Ukraine and subsequent Western sanctions on Moscow. The move signals a reorientation toward strengthening its position in other Eastern European markets.

Financial Impact:

• For Raiffeisen: Expected negative impact of approximately 60 basis points on its CET1 (Common Equity Tier 1) capital ratio
• For BBVA: Estimated positive impact of around 10 basis points on its CET1 ratio and a €112 million gain on the group's income statement

Companies Involved:

The transaction involves Austria's Raiffeisen Bank acquiring the Romanian unit from Istanbul-listed Garanti BBVA, which is majority-owned by Spain's BBVA.

The acquisition strengthens Raiffeisen's regional footprint while allowing BBVA to optimize its portfolio and improve capital ratios.