Change of name to Lion Finance Group PLC
London, 6 February 2025
Change of name to Lion Finance Group PLC
Bank of Georgia Group PLC announces that it has changed its name to Lion Finance Group PLC (the "Company" or the "Group"). In February 2024, when announcing the acquisition of Ameriabank, the largest bank in the high-growth Armenian market, we also noted our intention to change the name of the holding company, to reflect our focus on multiple geographies. Our lion logo, inspired by an ancient Georgian artefact, has symbolised strength and heritage since the Group's inception. The new name upholds this continuity, while marking new beginnings.
Lion Finance Group PLC is a FTSE 250 holding company whose core subsidiaries are JSC Bank of Georgia in Georgia and Ameriabank CJSC in Armenia - leading universal banks and top-of-mind banking brands in their respective geographies. Both Bank of Georgia and Ameriabank will continue to operate as separate banks, maintaining their local identities and brands and catering to the needs of local communities.
Mel Carvill, Lion Finance Group PLC's Chairman of the Board, commented: "The change of name reflects a new chapter in the Group's development, as the acquisition of Ameriabank last year enabled us to enter the dynamic, growing, and prudently managed Armenian economy. Ameriabank has enhanced the earnings of the Group as it has continued to deliver strong performance, with a robust, c.30% year-on-year loan growth, and many growth opportunities ahead. We remain focused on creating value for our stakeholders across our core markets."
Archil Gachechiladze, Lion Finance Group PLC's CEO, commented: "Our journey began in Georgia and the remarkable success we have achieved at Bank of Georgia has enabled us to embrace new growth opportunities. The expansion into Armenia last year was a historic milestone for the Group as we diversified our business and executed a highly earnings-enhancing transaction with significant upside potential. The change in our holding company name reflects our broader presence. However, Bank of Georgia and Ameriabank remain as they are, with their unique names and identities unchanged, empowering customers and driving positive impact in their communities."
Shareholders should note that their shareholdings will be unaffected by the change of name. Existing share certificates should be retained as they will remain valid for all purposes.
The Company's ticker on London Stock Exchange, BGEO, remains unchanged, as do the Company's ISIN (GB00BF4HYT85) and SEDOL (BF4HYT8). The registration of the name by Companies House has taken place today and the London Stock Exchange will be updated to reflect the change of name in due course.
The Company's website will shortly be changed from www.bankofgeorgiagroup.com to www.lionfinancegroup.uk
Name of authorised official of issuer responsible for making notification: Nini Arshakuni, Head of Investor Relations
About Lion Finance Group PLC
Lion Finance Group PLC (LSE: BGEO LN) is a FTSE 250 holding company whose subsidiaries provide banking and financial services focused in the high-growth Georgian and Armenian markets through leading, customer-centric, universal banks - Bank of Georgia in Georgia and Ameriabank in Armenia. By building on our competitive strengths, we are committed to driving business growth, sustaining high profitability, and generating strong returns, while creating opportunities for our stakeholders and making a positive contribution in the communities where we operate.
Legal Entity Identifier: 213800XKDG12NQG8VC53
For further information, please visit www.lionfinancegroup.uk contact:
|
Michael Oliver |
Nini Arshakuni |
|
Adviser to the CEO |
Head of Investor Relations |
|
+44 203 178 4034 |
+44 203 178 4034 |
|
ir@bgeo.com |
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