Equity Group Holdings Plc (NASE:EQTY) is open to repurchase a stake in mortgage lender HF Group Plc (NASE:HFCK), signalling a shift in its appetite to acquire rivals in the Kenyan market. Equity Chief Executive Officer James Mwangi said the bank would review its interest in HF, seven years after selling its 24.7 % stake to insurance group Britam Holdings Plc (NASE:BRIT). Britam plans to sell part of its 48.2 % stake in HF Group to one of the country's big banks as part of its investment portfolio review.

“We exited from HF Group .but if it becomes available, we would evaluate it just like we evaluate other opportunities,” Mr. Mwangi told the Business Daily in an interview. The disclosure coincides with Equity's plans to buy a local rival if a target emerges, a shift to inorganic growth plan in Kenya. Potential suitors will be seeking to ride on HF to grow into the mortgage market.