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UBS completes merger of UBS AG and Credit Suisse AG

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UBS Group AG (NYSE:UBS) has successfully completed the merger of UBS AG and Credit Suisse AG within the expected timeline, with global regulatory support. Credit Suisse AG has been deregistered and no longer exists as a separate entity. UBS AG inherits all of Credit Suisse AG's rights and obligations, including outstanding debt instruments. Clients of Credit Suisse AG will migrate to UBS platforms over time, although they will temporarily use existing Credit Suisse tools.

UBS CEO Sergio P. Ermotti highlights the milestone as important for unlocking cost, capital, funding, and tax benefits from the second half of 2024. A transition to a single US holding company is planned for June 2024, with further mergers expected by the third quarter of 2024, pending regulatory approvals.

Positive
  • Successful completion of the UBS and Credit Suisse merger within the expected timeline.
  • Strong global regulatory support for the merger.
  • UBS AG inherits all rights and obligations, including outstanding debt instruments, of Credit Suisse AG.
  • Unlocking cost, capital, funding, and tax benefits anticipated from H2 2024.
  • Client transition to UBS platforms facilitates operational consolidation.
  • Planned transition to a single US intermediate holding company by June 2024.
  • Further mergers expected in Q3 2024, pending regulatory approvals.
Negative
  • Clients temporarily need to use existing Credit Suisse platforms, which may cause initial operational complexities.
  • The full integration and realization of benefits are deferred to the second half of 2024 and beyond.
  • Pending regulatory approvals for the final phases of the merger may introduce uncertainty.

Insights

The merger of UBS AG and Credit Suisse AG represents a momentous consolidation in the banking sector. This amalgamation brings together two financial giants, which is likely to result in significant cost savings and efficiency gains. UBS expects to unlock substantial capital, funding and tax benefits by the second half of 2024. For the retail investor, it is essential to watch how UBS manages the integration of Credit Suisse's operations and whether they can maintain service continuity during this period.

From a financial perspective, this merger could enhance UBS's market share, diversify its client base and consolidate its position as a leading global financial institution. However, there are inherent risks in large-scale integrations, including potential disruptions and client attrition if transition processes are not managed adeptly. Additionally, absorbing all of Credit Suisse's debt obligations could influence UBS's financial stability in the short term, depending on the overall economic environment.

This merger marks a significant reshuffling in the European banking landscape. The integration enhances UBS's competitive edge by consolidating resources and expanding its foothold. For investors, it's important to monitor how the market perceives these changes. The next few quarters will be important in demonstrating UBS's capability in harnessing synergies and realizing projected benefits.

An interesting aspect to consider is the impact on UBS's stock price and market position. In the short term, the stock might experience volatility as the market digests the news and assesses the integration's progress. Long-term benefits, however, could include enhanced service offerings, a more extensive client base and operational efficiencies. Retail investors should stay informed on UBS's strategic updates to gauge the merger's ongoing impact.

The completion of this merger under regulatory support underscores a significant legal milestone. The smooth deregistration of Credit Suisse AG and transfer of all rights and obligations to UBS AG reflect thorough compliance with regulatory requirements. It's vital for investors to be aware that such processes involve intricate legal frameworks, ensuring all stakeholders' interests are protected.

For UBS, absorbing Credit Suisse's debt instruments and obligations means they must meticulously manage these liabilities within the legal and financial frameworks. The transitional period will involve continued regulatory scrutiny, particularly as they plan the next phase of merging operations in 2024. Legal challenges could arise from potential disputes or inconsistencies in client contracts, necessitating robust legal strategies to mitigate risks and ensure a seamless continuation of services.

ZURICH--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Article 53 LR.

UBS Group AG (NYSE:UBS) (SWX:UBSN) announces today that it has completed the merger of UBS AG and Credit Suisse AG. The completion of the merger within the expected timeline was facilitated by the strong support from regulators across the globe.

Today, Credit Suisse AG has been deregistered in the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zurich and has ceased to exist as a separate entity. UBS AG has succeeded to all the rights and obligations of Credit Suisse AG, including all outstanding Credit Suisse AG debt instruments.

The merger facilitates the migration of clients and operations from Credit Suisse to integrated UBS platforms over time, following business, client- and product-specific requirements. While clients of Credit Suisse AG have become clients of UBS AG upon the merger, they will for an interim period interact with UBS using existing Credit Suisse platforms and tools, except as specifically communicated.

UBS Group Chief Executive Officer Sergio P. Ermotti comments: “Today we have achieved a significant milestone in our integration journey. The merger of our parent banks is critical to facilitating the migration of clients onto UBS platforms. It will also unlock the next phase of cost, capital, funding and tax benefits from the second half of 2024. As we embark on this transitional phase of operational consolidation, we will remain focused on serving our clients, following through on our strategy, investing in our people, and acting as a pillar of economic support in the communities where we live and work.”

The transition to a single US intermediate holding company is planned for 7 June 2024, with the merger of Credit Suisse (Schweiz) AG and UBS Switzerland AG continued to be expected in the third quarter of 2024, both subject to remaining regulatory approvals.

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements

This ad hoc announcement contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements,” including but not limited to management’s outlook for UBS’s financial performance, statements relating to the anticipated effect of transactions and strategic initiatives on UBS’s business and future development and goals or intentions to achieve climate, sustainability and other social objectives. While these forward-looking statements represent UBS’s judgments, expectations and objectives concerning the matters described, a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors could cause actual developments and results to differ materially from UBS’s expectations. UBS’s business and financial performance could be affected by other factors identified in our past and future filings and reports, including those filed with the SEC. More detailed information about those factors is set forth in documents furnished by UBS and filings made by UBS with the SEC, including the Risk Factors filed on Form 20-F for the UBS Group AG Annual Report for 2023, filed on 28 March 2024. UBS is not under any obligation to (and expressly disclaims any obligation to) update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

UBS Group AG and UBS AG

Investor contact

Switzerland: +41-44-234 41 00

Americas: +1 212 882 57 34

Media contact

Switzerland: +41-44-234 85 00

UK: +44-207-567 47 14

Americas: +1-212-882 58 58

APAC: +852-297-1 82 00

www.ubs.com/media

Source: UBS Group AG

FAQ

What is the significance of the UBS and Credit Suisse merger?

The merger is significant as it integrates clients and operations, unlocking cost, capital, funding, and tax benefits for UBS from H2 2024.

When did UBS complete the merger with Credit Suisse?

UBS completed the merger with Credit Suisse within the expected timeline as announced.

What happens to Credit Suisse AG's clients post-merger?

Clients of Credit Suisse AG will migrate to UBS platforms over time, although they will temporarily use existing Credit Suisse tools.

What regulatory support did UBS receive for the merger?

UBS received strong global regulatory support to facilitate the timely completion of the merger.

What are the future plans for UBS following the merger?

UBS plans to transition to a single US intermediate holding company by June 2024, with further mergers expected by Q3 2024, subject to regulatory approvals.

What benefits does UBS expect from the merger with Credit Suisse?

UBS expects to achieve cost, capital, funding, and tax benefits from the second half of 2024 due to the merger.

UBS Group AG

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Zurich