ATMA boss calms nerves as merger nears end
THE merger between Atlas Mara (ATMA) Bank and Access Bank of Zambia is drawing to a conclusion and is likely to finalise this month end.
However, there have been anxieties among ATMA employees who fear for their jobs following the takeover by Access Bank.
But ATMA acting Managing Director Bobbline Cheembela has calmed anxieties among his fellow workers.
“ATMA employees have no need to be worried about their jobs. Access has made it clear that they won’t declare anyone redundant or close any branch,” Mr Cheembela assured in a response to a press query.
He added: “For me, I am open minded. If there is a role for me to play I will consider it, if none I will take a package and do something else. For as long as I am around, I will give them my best to help the merged entity succeed with or without me,” Mr Cheembela said
ATMA has about a 800-strong workforce while Access has 300, bringing the total close to 1, 200 employees.
In January, Access Bank Zambia Limited announced that it had completed its acquisition of African Banking
Corporation Zambia Limited (trading as Atlas Mara) after obtaining regulatory approval.
“This marks a significant milestone for Access Bank Plc as we work towards achieving our vision of being the world’s most respected African bank.
We are poised for success by harmonising the robust brands, rich heritage, shared values, and best practices of both companies in creating opportunities that extend to all our stakeholders in Zambia and the SADC (Southern African Development Community region,” Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director of Access Bank Plc said.
Lishandu Situmbeko, the Access Bank Managing Director added:” We are extremely pleased that this transaction has come to a close. By bringing together these two great businesses, we are creating a stronger, more competitive financial institution that will play a role in delivering on Zambia’s economic recovery.”
At the golf metal fence handover at the Chipata Golf Club last month on the sidelines of the Nc’wala ceremony, Mr Situmbeko said Atlas Mara is now operating as Access Bank following the recent acquisition merger which positions it among the top five banks in Zambia.