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Barclays announces sale of remaining shares in South Africa’s Absa

Published by Uma Rajagopal

Posted on September 1, 2022

1 min read

· Last updated: February 4, 2026

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Barclays logo with stock graph illustration related to Absa sale - Global Banking & Finance Review
An illustration featuring the Barclays logo and a stock graph, depicting Barclays' strategic exit from Absa in South Africa, highlighting its focus shift to the US and UK markets.
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LONDON (Reuters) – Barclays will sell its remaining 7.4% stake in South African bank Absa, it said on Wednesday, completing its exit from a more than 90-year presence on the continent. The British lender said it will sell the 63 million Absa shares to institutional investors in a process known as an accelerated bookbuilding, with […]

LONDON (Reuters) – Barclays will sell its remaining 7.4% stake in South African bank Absa, it said on Wednesday, completing its exit from a more than 90-year presence on the continent.

The British lender said it will sell the 63 million Absa shares to institutional investors in a process known as an accelerated bookbuilding, with the pricing yet to be set.

Barclays this year sold a similar sized stake for 526 million pounds ($611.84 million).

The British bank announced it would sell Absa in 2016, as part of a strategy revamp to focus more on the United States and Britain under then-Chief Executive Jes Staley.

($1 = 0.8597 pound)

(Reporting By Lawrence White; editing by Jonathan Oatis)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is equity?
Equity refers to the ownership interest in a company, represented by shares of stock. It signifies the value of an owner's stake in the business after all liabilities have been deducted.
What are institutional investors?
Institutional investors are organizations that invest large sums of money in securities, real estate, and other investment assets. Examples include pension funds, insurance companies, and mutual funds.
What is a stake in a company?
A stake in a company refers to the ownership interest held by an individual or entity, typically represented by shares. It indicates the proportion of the company owned and the rights associated with that ownership.
What is an accelerated bookbuilding process?
Accelerated bookbuilding is a method used by companies to quickly raise capital by selling shares to institutional investors. It involves soliciting bids from potential buyers over a short period.
What is a divestment?
Divestment is the process of selling off subsidiary business interests or investments. Companies may divest to focus on core operations or to raise capital.

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