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The Standard Bank Group has been acknowledged as the Most Innovative Investment Bank from Africa by The Banker, in their 2015 investment banking awards.

Bill Blackie, Head, Investment Banking at Standard Bank Group says: “We are proud to have received further industry recognition as a leading and innovative bank that can truly call Africa home.”

Standard Bank is Africa's largest banking group by assets and operates in 20 countries on the African continent and other key markets globally.

Standard Bank Group’s team of investment banking specialists has played a critical role in a series of landmark deals across the African continent in a variety of key sectors, such as mining and metals, oil and gas, power and infrastructure and consumer.

“Each deal stands out as an example of innovation that benefits our clients, investors and the communities they touch. They also demonstrate how the group seeks to drive transformation in key markets,” says Mr Blackie.

Some of the deals recognised in Standard Bank Group’s top six markets (South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Angola, Mozambique and Ghana) for Corporate and Investment Banking in 2015 include:
·         Standard Bank was lead arranger and security agent, (offshore and onshore), for the US$1.7bn debt fundraising for Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc
·         Joint financial and debt advisor, bookrunner and underwriter to Woolworths Holdings Limited on the Rights Issue, as well as lead debt provider and transaction sponsor on the David Jones Limited transaction and funding package
·         One of the biggest transactional deals to boost marine diamond mining in Namibia - US$150 million financing to finance a new diamond exploration and sampling vessel for Debmarine Namibia
·         Complex cross border transaction structured to meet US funding, SA funding and US regulatory requirements – Oceana Group Limited’s ZAR4.6bn acquisition of Daybrook Fisheries Inc. (US)
·         Sole Corporate Finance Advisor to Brait SE on the ZAR12.2 billion acquisition of ~80% interest in Virgin Active Group from CVC Capital Partners and the Virgin Group
·         Standard Bank prepared a macroeconomic study to determine the impacts on Mozambique of an LNG facility
·         Debut issuance under the first Medium Term Note Programmeever to be established by a supranational issuer in the Nigerian capital market - African Development Bank: ₦12.95bn 11.25% Bonds due 2021

Mr Blackie says these deals highlight Standard Bank's focus on placing sector expertise at the heart of client engagement, at a time when multi-national corporates are rapidly increasing investment in Africa, and revising their business strategies on the continent to benefit from increasing growth and rising consumer spending power.

“Our heritage and footprint put us in a strong position to capitalise on the business opportunities available in Africa. Our on-the-ground presence has been essential for our success across the continent and has afforded us the necessary skills, expertise and corporate presence to assist our clients wanting to do business in Africa.”

Issued by Standard Bank