A bank makes the move of the year and becomes a key player in Romania: 591 million euros to buy Garanti BBVA
Austrian bank Raiffeisen Bank confirmed on Saturday evening, the signing of the agreement for the acquisition of Garanti BBVA Romania, including the leasing companies and fleet management services owned by the Spanish group BBVA. The transaction, estimated at 591 million euros, is subject to regulatory approvals.
Raiffeisen Bank PHOTO: archive, truth collage
Following the takeover, Raiffeisen will gradually integrate Garanti BBVA's operations into its own structures in Romania, a process that would be completed in the second half of 2027. Until then, customers do not have to take any steps: all contracts and products remain unchanged, according to Profit.
“This transaction represents a strategic step in one of the most attractive banking markets in Central and Eastern Europe and strengthens our commitment to support Romania's economic development”, he declared Johann Strobl, CEO of Raiffeisen Bank.
According to the cited publication, Garanti BBVA Romania had assets of approximately 4 billion euros at the end of 2025, with a market share of approximately 2%.
Through this acquisition, Raiffeisen Bank will increase its market share to over 11% and could rise to the 3rd or 4th place in the top Romanian banks, surpassing BRD and, possibly, UniCredit.
The agreement includes Garanti BBVA (the bank), Garanti BBVA Leasing (Motoractive IFN SA) and Garanti BBVA Fleet Management (Motoractive Multiservices SRL), the transaction expanding Raiffeisen's portfolio in financial leasing, fleet management and consumer loans and strengthening the Austrian bank's presence on the Romanian market.
