United Capital Group, a leading Pan-African investment banking and financial services group, has completed the acquisition of a 5% equity stake in the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Plc), securing significant ownership in one of the most important institutions at the heart of Nigeria’s financial system and marking a milestone in the Group’s long-term growth strategy.
The 5% equity stake is worth ₦17.99 billion.
The Nigerian Exchange Group serves as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s capital market infrastructure and plays a critical role in advancing the nation’s economic development objectives.
United Capital’s equity investment in NGX Plc reflects its confidence in the future of the Nigerian capital market and underscores its commitment to supporting the institutions that drive market development, investor confidence, and economic prosperity.
“This acquisition reflects our confidence in Nigeria’s capital markets and our responsibility to contribute to their growth actively. We have always said that United Capital is not just a participant in Nigeria’s capital markets; we are also builders. This strategic investment in NGX Plc is exactly that: we are building for impact. It is our vote of confidence in the leadership and strategic direction of the NGX, and where the capital market is headed, and this is our commitment to supporting them to get there. This strategic investment is consistent with United Capital’s broader vision: to create sustainable, long-term value for its shareholders while playing an active role in advancing the ecosystems in which we operate,” said Peter Ashade, Group Chief Executive Officer, United Capital Group.
United Capital’s Pan-African footprint
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Countries covered | 12 countries across West, East, Central Africa |
| Service suite | Investment banking, asset management, securities trading, wealth management |
| Ethiopian license | First foreign investment bank licensed in Ethiopia |
| Recent license acquisition | Ethiopia and Rwanda operational licenses |
| Subsidiary recapitalization | Successfully completed ahead of regulatory deadlines |
With a growing footprint across 12 countries across West, East, and Central Africa, along with a full-service suite covering investment banking, asset management, securities trading, and wealth management, United Capital is uniquely positioned to leverage this equity stake in ways that benefit both the Group and the wider market.
Market role and strategic positioning
As a core institution within Nigeria’s capital market ecosystem, the Nigerian Exchange Group plays a pivotal role in facilitating capital allocation, enhancing market efficiency, and supporting economic growth as a critical enabler of capital formation and market development.
Through this strategic investment, United Capital is reinforcing its commitment to the sustainable growth of the market and positioning itself to participate in, and contribute to, the next phase of the Exchange’s evolution.
This development follows a series of significant strategic milestones for the Group, including the successful recapitalisation of all its subsidiaries well ahead of regulatory deadlines and the recent acquisition of operational licences in Ethiopia and Rwanda. Notably, the Ethiopian approval positions United Capital as the first foreign investment bank licensed to operate in the country, further advancing the Group’s Pan-African growth strategy.
Outlook
United Capital’s 5% equity stake in NGX Plc represents a strategic convergence of investment banking and capital market infrastructure, positioning the Pan-African group as both market participant and market builder.
The acquisition reflects confidence in Nigeria’s capital market trajectory and provides United Capital with direct influence over the exchange’s evolution while benefiting from NGX’s role as capital allocation facilitator.
The 5% stake, while not controlling, grants United Capital significant voting rights and board representation potential at NGX, enabling the group to shape exchange policies, listing standards, and market development initiatives.
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