KBC Group NV (ENXTBR:KBC) is planning to quit the Republic after more than four decades and is in advanced talks to sell its performing loans and deposits to Bank of Ireland Group plc (ISE:BIRG), reducing the number of retail banks in the country to three. The news eight weeks after UK lender NatWest decided to put its Ulster Bank unit into an orderly wind down over the coming year as it also struggled to make an acceptable return in a low interest-rate environment and a State where banks have to hold much higher levels of capital against loans than the average European lender. KBC Bank Ireland plc said that it is “reviewing options to divest” its non-performing loans.

This is likely to lead to a sale of the non-performing book to an overseas distressed debt fund. The bank has €8.9 billion of performing loans and €1.4 billion of impaired loans, mainly mortgages, according to group figures for the end of last year. It currently has a share of about 12.6% of the Irish mortgage market and about 1,400 employees.

“Given the challenging operational context for European banks and after careful consideration, we have reached an agreement with Bank of Ireland Group regarding the potential sale to Bank of Ireland Group of substantially all of the performing loan assets and liabilities of KBC Bank Ireland,” said Johan Thijs, Chief Executive of KBC Group in Brussels. KBC Bank Ireland's CEO Peter Roebben said that the lender will continue to offer banking an insurance services for the time being. “Our customers do not need to take any action as a result of today's announcement,” said Mr. Roebben.

It reaffirmed its commitment to the Republic four years ago after carrying out a strategic review. Bank of Ireland has officially entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with KBC to explore a deal, according to both group. Bank of Ireland's chief executive Francesca McDonagh said that her group looks “at opportunities we consider if they are a good fit for the customers involved and for the bank”.

“This MOU complements our strategy to grow our business in Ireland, and supports the investments we are making in the transformation of our systems and digital banking services,” she said. “We would be very pleased to provide KBC Ireland customers with a good home, and look forward to progressing our discussions with KBC over the coming period.” Minster for Finance Paschal Donohoe said: ‘The decision announced by KBC is a very significant event for the Irish banking sector, its staff and customers. Our thoughts immediately turn to KBC's staff and the impact of this decision for them.” He added: “The news that discussions have commenced with Bank of Ireland regarding substantially all of the performing loan assets and liabilities is welcome.

It is my hope that these negotiations are concluded quickly and prioritise the continuation of financial services for these customers and the preservation of jobs”.