Graubündner Kantonalbank (GKB) is continuing its successful investment strategy with a 70% stake in BZ Bank. GKB is thus expanding its investment expertise with the “private equity” asset class and generating new sources of income in a promising investment business market. While Graubünden remains GKB’s home market, GKB’s income and risk diversification will be further strengthened.
Increase in client assets to over CHF 50 billion
The investment core competence of BZ Bank ideally complements the existing investment expertise of GKB and its holdings and rounds off the range of services. With the latest investment, GKB increases the customer assets under management in the group to over CHF 50 billion. The impact on the published profit forecast for the current year is insignificant and does not require any adjustment. GKB is financing the transaction from its own funds. The transaction will take effect on July 1, 2022, subject to official approval.
Peter Fanconi, President of the Bank Council of GKB, confirms: “With our investment strategy, we have been systematically supporting our earnings situation for years and strengthening our positioning in the investment business. This secures future distributions to our owners and helps support the canton of Graubünden. Our new partnership with BZ Bank and its customers underlines the unique attractiveness of GKB.»
Daniel Fust, CEO of GKB, specifies: “We are pleased that the owners Martin and Rosmarie Ebner have chosen GKB as a future partner for BZ Bank with their extensive and recognized investment expertise. The expertise of BZ Bank ideally complements our existing investment know-how and opens up further growth opportunities. Together with the management of BZ Bank, we want to further develop the business activities and expand the existing offering in the investment business for GKB customers as well.”
BZ Bank specialist for equity investments
Martin Ebner also points to the joint future prospects: «I am convinced that in GKB I have found the ideal partner for the further successful development of BZ Bank. The Graubündner Kantonalbank secures the positioning of the independent BZ Bank brand in the interests of its long-standing customers and employees. We are also pleased that we can contribute further specialist knowledge to GKB’s investment business, particularly with our private equity expertise.»
BZ Bank, a Swiss bank founded in 1985, advises professional, private and institutional clients on stock investments and participations in both the areas of listed stocks and private equity. With equity capital from private investors, the further development and growth of companies that are not listed on the stock exchange are also financed. This type of financing enables many companies to substantially and sustainably accelerate and expand their business activities, to the benefit of customers and employees. In addition, BZ Bank is active in asset management, in the administration of collective investment schemes and in corporate advisory.
Graubünden Cantonal Bank.
The Graubündner Kantonalbank offers everything that makes a modern universal bank for private individuals, business and the public sector. The company, headquartered in Chur, is represented at over 40 locations in Graubünden. With around 1000 employees, GKB is one of the largest employers in the canton. She expresses her connection to Graubünden in many different ways. In addition to her economic activities, she is involved through her sponsorship, her contribution fund and her voluntary work. GKB has majority holdings in BZ Bank Aktiengesellschaft, private bank Bellerive AG and Albin Kistler AG, as well as a minority holding in Twelve Capital Holding AG. The GKB participation certificate has been listed on the stock exchange since 1985.
Events:
Half-year figures 2022: July 28, 2022