RESIMAC in merger talks with fellow non-bank lender

Listed Australian non-bank lender Homeloans is in discussions to merge with RESIMAC to create a combined group that would have a loan portfolio of more than A$13 billion.

It has entered into a Scheme Implementation Agreement sets out a plan to merge with RESIMAC. If the deal does ahead as planned RESIMAC shareholders will hold 72.5% of the merged group and existing Homeloans shareholders will hold 27.5%.

In its statement to the ASX Homeloans says the deal with provide it with:

• greater scale and expertise;
• improved growth opportunities;
• greater product manufacturing capabilities;
• enhanced access to securitisation markets; and
• a broader distribution platform for mortgage and other products.

It is still early days and unclear what the deal will mean for RESIMAC in New Zealand. However, with regulators in both countries making it harder for banks to lend, especially to property investors, there are new and emerging opportunities for non-bank lenders.

“Homeloans and RESIMAC have highly complementary businesses and strategies,” Homeloans chairman Robert Scott said.

Homeloans has a strong brand in the Australian mortgage industry and a national distribution network, while RESIMAC has well established securitisation, product manufacturing and development capabilities.

The merged group will create a leading non-bank lending and distribution business in Australia and New Zealand with a loan portfolio exceeding A$13 billion.

The deal will bring together the Homeloans brand, existing wholesale funding arrangements, and third party broker relationships with RESIMAC’s established and well regarded securitisation capabilities, strong product development and distribution channels.