Metro Bank Shares Rally After Takeover Interest
Deal News | Jun 16, 2025 | EIN
Metro Bank's shares surged by nine percent following reports of a takeover interest from its majority owner, Pollen Street Capital. This comes after Pollen Street reportedly expressed interest in taking the bank private, driving the bank's market capitalization above £750 million. Pollen Street, majority owner of Shawbrook Bank, has been actively pursuing merger and acquisition opportunities, including a recent approach to fintech company Starling Bank and lodging an offer for Co-op Bank. Metro Bank, recently revitalized by Colombian billionaire James Gilinski Bacal's investment, has seen significant growth after facing potential collapse. The London Stock Exchange faces a potential challenge if Metro Bank shifts to private administration, echoing the recent trend of companies seeking overseas listings due to market dynamics and regulatory environments.
Sectors
- Banking & Financial Services
- Private Equity & Venture Capital
Geography
- United Kingdom – The article centers around UK-based institutions like Metro Bank and Shawbrook Bank, with broader implications for the UK financial market.
Industry
- Banking & Financial Services – The article primarily focuses on the potential acquisition and market movements involving financial institutions such as Metro Bank and Shawbrook Bank.
- Private Equity & Venture Capital – The involvement of Pollen Street Capital, a private equity firm, in the acquisition interest highlights this sector's role in strategic M&A activities.
Financials
- £750 million – Metro Bank's market capitalization following the surge in shares.
- £925 million – Investment made by James Gilinski Bacal into Metro Bank in exchange for a 53% stake.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Bank | Target Company | Company | A high street lender in the UK subject to potential acquisition interest from private equity. |
| Pollen Street Capital | Bidding Company | Company | A private equity firm interested in acquiring Metro Bank and majority owner of Shawbrook Bank. |
| Shawbrook Bank | Other Company | Company | A UK bank with previous merger activity, owned in part by Pollen Street Capital. |
| Starling Bank | Other Company | Company | A fintech company previously approached by Shawbrook Bank for a merger. |
| Co-op Bank | Other Company | Company | A potential acquisition target of Shawbrook Bank. |
| James Gilinski Bacal | Investor | Person | Colombian billionaire who injected significant capital into Metro Bank. |