The project was coordinated and implemented by a multidisciplinary team including Daniel Badea, Managing Partner of the Clifford Chance Bucharest office, a dedicated Corporate M&A team including Loredana Ralea (Partner), Ecaterina Burlacu (Counsel), and Maria Moga (Senior Associate), as well as a Banking & Finance team including Radu Ropotă (Partner) and Gabriel Toma (Counsel).
“(…) The Alpha Bank-UniCredit merger marks a new chapter in history, contributing to the consolidation and competitiveness of this sector at a very important moment for the Romanian economy in regional context. It has been an honor to contribute to this project and to work with the professional teams of UniCredit Bank and Alpha Bank,” said Daniel Badea, Managing Partner Clifford Chance Badea.
“The transaction involved two leading financial institutions with complex structures operating within a rigorous regulatory framework. The process was intense, with a focus on the legal completion and operational implementation of the merger in accordance with compliance requirements, but also within an optimal timeframe for the harmonization of the activities and services of the newly formed entity,” stated Partner Loredana Ralea.
Earlier this week, UniCredit Bank Romania, the local subsidiary of Italy’s UniCredit Group, announced the successful completion of the merger with Alpha Bank Romania. Thus, UniCredit climbs in the ranking of local banks from the 7th spot held until 2024, reaching an 11% market share and competing with CEC Bank for the 3rd spot.
The merger boosts the portfolio of loans and deposits up to a 13% market share of the total loans (together with UniCredit Consumer Financing) and 11% of the total deposits attracted from customers. At the same time, following the integration of Alpha Bank, UniCredit Bank reaches a network of approximately 300 units, more than 4,800 employees – including the Alpha Bank Romania staff– and an extended infrastructure of 900 ATMs across Romania.