© Reuters.
LONDON – Metro Bank, once a trailblazer in the UK banking industry, has announced a significant financial restructuring that positions Jaime Gilinski Bacal as the majority stakeholder through his firm Spaldy Investments. The bank successfully secured £325 million in new funds and refinanced £600 million of debt, effectively steering clear of being processed for failed banks management.
The latest cash infusion includes a notable £102 million contribution from Gilinski Bacal’s firm, tipping his stake to over half and marking him as the principal owner of the bank. This move comes after shares of Metro Bank dropped to just under 40 pence on Friday amid intense market speculation about its capital requirements.
CEO Daniel Frumkin has expressed optimism regarding the deal, indicating that it signals the beginning of a renaissance for the embattled bank. This sentiment was echoed by bondholders who, despite facing a 40% loss on their investments, supported the financial restructuring ahead of an essential shareholder vote in October 2023.
Since its inception in 2010, Metro Bank has made history as the first new High Street bank in the UK in over 100 years, promising full-week branch operations and amassing millions of customers with substantial deposits. However, its journey has been marred by challenges, including an accounting scandal that led to the departure of top executives and a slumped share price earlier in October due to fundraising rumors. Despite these setbacks, Metro Bank has consistently met regulatory standards and continues to serve its customer base.
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