LONDON, (The Southern African Times) – Moody’s Corporation MCO plans to further expand in Africa and has agreed to acquire 51% stake in Global Credit Rating Company Limited. The transaction, still subject to customary regulatory approvals, is expected to close in second-quarter 2022.
While the terms of the transaction were not disclosed, it will be funded with cash on hand. The deal is not expected to impact Moody’s 2022 financial results significantly.
Global Credit Rating, a leading rating agency in Africa, has its presence across the continent, including in countries like Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Senegal and Mauritius. The firm provides its expertise in the African financial market with credit insight in different sectors and economies. Following the closure of the transaction, there will be no change in the firm’s operations. It will continue to develop its own rating methodologies, issue its own credit ratings and maintain a separate management team.
Combining Global Credit Rating’s solid footprint in the continent with Moody’s global reach will bolster latter’s presence in the high-growth markets.
Marc Joffe, CEO of Global Credit, said, “This transaction will enable us to build on our deep local market insights and a quarter-century of growth across the continent. It will also provide the opportunity to further develop solutions that meet a range of customer needs, including credit ratings, credit risk solutions, and ESG capabilities.”
In its plan to expand in South Africa, Moody’s expects local strategic support from Global Credit Rating. This will be made possible with substantial equity participation and representation on the Global Credit Rating South Africa board.
Over the past several years, Moody’s has been strengthening its footprint and credit rating solutions through strategic acquisitions/partnerships. In 2021, the company acquired PassFort Limited, Bogard AB, RMS and Cortera, among others, while announcing plans to acquire 360kompany AG. Its inorganic growth efforts are expected to help in further diversification of revenues and expand its global reach.
Over the past year, shares of Moody’s have rallied 26.7% compared with 15.7% growth of the industry.
