We refer to the announcement dated 15 April 2024 on the above matter.
The Board of Directors of RHB Bank wishes to announce that RHB Bank had from 17 May 2024 to 27 March 2025 subscribed for an aggregate of approximately 51.0 million new ordinary shares in Boost Bank for a cash consideration of approximately RM51.0 million (“Additional Subscription”) to maintain our 40% equity interest in Boost Bank. The source of funds for the Additional Subscription is derived from internally generated funds of RHB Bank.
The purpose of the Additional Subscription is to fund Boost Bank’s growth and operations and to continue meeting the minimum capital funds as required by Bank Negara Malaysia.
The Additional Subscription will not have any effect on the issued share capital and shareholdings of the substantial shareholders of RHB Bank. The Additional Subscription is not expected to have any material effect on the net asset, gearing and earnings of the RHB Banking Group for the financial year ending 31 December 2025.
None of the Directors or major shareholders of RHB Bank as well as persons connected with them have any interest, direct or indirect, in the Additional Subscription, save as disclosed below:
(a) As at 21 March 2025, the Employees Provident Fund Board (“EPF”), a major shareholder of RHB Bank with 37.87% equity interest also holds 18.17% equity interest in Axiata Group Berhad (“Axiata”). Boost Bank is an indirect subsidiary of Axiata.
(b) Tan Sri Ahmad Badri Mohd Zahir and Dato’ Mohamad Nasir Ab Latif, being the Non-Independent Non-Executive Chairman and Non-Independent Non-Executive Director of RHB Bank, respectively representing EPF, have abstained and will continue to abstain from deliberating and voting on any subscription of shares in Boost Bank at the Board of Directors’ meetings.
The Additional Subscription is not subject to the approval of shareholders of RHB Bank or any other relevant authorities and/or parties.
The highest aggregated percentage ratio applicable to the Additional Subscription pursuant to paragraph 10.02(g) of the Main Market Listing Requirements issued by Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad is 0.16% (calculated based on the value of the Additional Subscription compared with the audited consolidated net assets of RHB Bank as at 31 December 2024) and is below the percentage ratio for a mandatory announcement of 0.25%.
This announcement is dated 27 March 2025.