Following the receipt of all necessary approvals from the competent authorities, Raiffeisen Bank has finalized the acquisition of 100% of the shares of the Garanti BBVA Romania Group-which includes Garanti Bank S.A., the financial leasing company Motoractive IFN S.A. (operating under the brand Garanti BBVA Leasing), and the operational leasing company Motoractive Multiservices S.R.L. (operating under the brand Garanti BBVA Fleet Management)-from subsidiaries of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. (BBVA), according to a press release.
Consequently, Garanti BBVA Romania becomes part of the Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) Group.
The completion of the transaction represents a key milestone: it concludes the acquisition process and marks the beginning of a new chapter for Garanti BBVA Romania within the Raiffeisen Group. Moving forward, Garanti BBVA Romania and Raiffeisen Bank are set to merge.
Until the legal merger is finalized, Raiffeisen Bank and Garanti BBVA will continue to operate as separate banks.
Garanti BBVA Romania and Raiffeisen Bank Romania will continue to function independently, with each bank carrying out its operations as usual. Existing contractual terms remain unchanged, and customers do not need to take any action at this stage.
All active contracts, product packages, and services will continue to remain in effect without changes until the merger is completed. “We are pleased to welcome Garanti BBVA Romania into the RBI Group. Romania is a priority market for us, with solid long-term growth potential and an important role in the region. By bringing together the proven strengths of Raiffeisen Bank Romania and Garanti BBVA Romania-an exceptional bank with a team of professionals and a solid base of loyal customers-we are building an even stronger and more competitive bank. Together, we will be able to support more individuals and companies, offering them a wider range of financial solutions and establishing a solid foundation for sustainable and efficient growth,” says Michael Höllerer, CEO of Raiffeisen Bank International.
“The integration of Garanti BBVA Romania into our group strengthens our capabilities and provides fresh momentum to accelerate our growth plans. Until the integration is complete, both teams will work toward a common goal: to be the best financial partner for the people and companies of Romania. The process will take time, but I am confident that, in the end, we will bring together not just two banks, but two exceptional teams. Throughout the integration, we aim to preserve the strengths that set Garanti BBVA Romania apart, while simultaneously leveraging the very best that both organizations have to offer,” adds Zdenek Romanek, President and CEO of Raiffeisen Bank Romania.
Throughout the integration process, continuity will be ensured at all levels. The management team of Garanti BBVA Romania will continue its work, contributing to the maintenance of operational stability, consistency in decision-making, and a smooth transition for clients, employees, and partners. Both organizations will continue to serve all business communities in Romania-including the Turkish community-with the same dedication and understanding of their specific needs. Furthermore, distribution capabilities will be strengthened to support future development.
In the next phase, the focus will shift toward preparing for the integration of Garanti BBVA Romania and Raiffeisen Bank Romania. Dedicated teams from both banks will collaborate to align operations, systems, products, processes, and organizational structures.
To ensure sound governance during the integration phase, the Management Committee of Garanti BBVA will be composed as follows: Zdenek Romanek-Chair; Alina Rus and Mircea Busuioceanu-Members; and Ebru Ogan Knottnerus and Ali Temel-Independent Members.
The integration will be carried out in stages and with great care, prioritizing business continuity and the delivery of an optimal experience for clients. Until the legal merger and the subsequent operational migration process are complete, the two banks will continue to operate separately. Clients will be able to continue using their existing products, services, accounts, cards, digital banking applications, and communication channels, just as they have done until now. Any changes that might affect clients, employees, or business partners will be communicated clearly and well in advance, including relevant timelines and any necessary actions. According to the current plan, full integration is projected for the second half of 2027.
Business continuity remains a key priority for all customer segments-from individuals and SMEs to corporations and institutions-ensuring that access to products, services, and support continues without interruption throughout the integration process.