The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Bank Limited, Mallam Ahmed Kuru, has expressed support for the planned divestment of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria’s shareholding from the bank.

He also affirmed the appointment of the Citigroup and Vetiva Capital Management Limited by AMCON as the financial advisers in the sale of the financial institution, noting the decision was the last lap of the long journey that would guarantee better time for all stakeholders of the bank.

The Enterprise boss, who said he was happy leaving behind an improved bank and a happier workforce, added he was convinced the customers would have the best deal at the conclusion of the process.

A statement from the Head, Corporate Communications, Mr. Olusola Longe-Okenimkpe, quoted the managing director as saying, “I am convinced our customers expect the best deal at the end of the day. So, their expectation should be high.”

Kuru also said, “In line with the plan of AMCON, this is obviously the last lap of the entire process that started on August 5, 2013 when we came on board. However, what is important for me is that the bank will at the end of the process run like every other strong and healthy bank not owned by the government or AMCON and without any encumbrances whatsoever. For me, it is on this solid foundation that a financial institution needs to soar.”

He also said he did not think the last lap would experience any hitch.

He said, “As I have said on many occasions before now, the appointment of the advisers is part of the overall plan of AMCON. We are not being distracted by it. Rather, everything is being done to make the process go smoothly.”

Kuru elaborated on the role of workers in the planned sale of the bank, saying, “As members of staff of the bank on the other hand, we have had the responsibility of explaining to all our esteemed customers that the process is in the best interest of everybody.”

“I say this because if there is any singular beneficiary of this process, it is the staff members whose jobs have been secured because whoever is buying the bank is definitely going to be interested in the quality of personnel that we have developed in the bank.”

Source: Punch