Shareholders of Union Bank Nigeria Plc have approved five resolutions authorizing the board of the bank to raise up to N50 billion through rights issue.
The shareholders gave their approval at an extraordinary general meeting of the bank held in Lagos on Wednesday, December 7, 2016. In a bid to accommodate the new shares, the shareholders’ approved the increase of authorised capital of the bank from N9.5 billion (made up of 19 billion ordinary shares) of 50 kobo each to N17.5 billion (made up of 35 billion ordinary shares) of 50 kobo each by the creation of additional of approximately 16 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each ranking equally with the existing shares of the bank.
Consequently, the memorandum and articles of association of the bank will be amended to reflect the increase in the authorized share capital to N17.5 billion. “Obtaining shareholder approval for our capital increase is a necessary step bringing us closer to the rights issue.
Incremental capital will further strengthen Union Bank’s near-term positioning and enable us realize our long-term growth aspirations,” said Emeka Emuwa, chief executive officer of Union Bank.
He added: “We view the right issue approval as a strong sign of shareholder support for Union Bank’s growth strategy and our plans to scale up operations and strengthen our position in readiness for uptake when the macroeconomic direction changes.”
Amending the bank’s memorandum of association and the articles of association in order to authorize an increase in the bank’s share capital required the approval of at least a 3/4 majority of votes present at the EGM.
The issue was supported by shareholders representing together 99.6 per cent of the votes. Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN) Plc had announced its earnings for the third quarter, showing 27 per cent growth in pre-tax profit to N13.3 billion within the period. The bank also saw considerable growth in the topline as gross earnings rose by 12 per cent to N93.4 billion.
The interim report and account for the Union Bank Group for the ninemonth period ended September 30, 2016 released at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed that group gross earnings rose by 12 per cent to N93.43 billion in third quarter 2015 as against N83.72 billion recorded in comparable period of 2015.
Interest income had grown from N66.91 billion to N70.96 billion. Net interest income was improved by 19 per cent from N40.27billion to N48.07 billion.
