KBC Completes Acquisition of Business Lease in Czech Republic and Slovakia for €72 Million
KBC Group has completed the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Business Lease in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The transaction, valued at a total of €72 million, strengthens the Belgian group's presence in operational leasing and fleet management in Central Europe.
Finalization of the Acquisition
KBC has finalized the acquisition of Business Lease in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, initially announced on October 23, 2025. The Czech and Slovak subsidiaries of the group, ?SOB Leasing, have become the owners of 100% of the shares of Business Lease s.r.o. and Business Lease Slovakia s.r.o. The transaction has received all necessary regulatory approvals, including from competition authorities in both countries. The acquisition price amounted to €72 million. This transaction will have a limited impact on KBC Group's capital strength, resulting in a reduction of only 4 basis points in the fully-loaded CET-1 ratio excluding the floor of the group. The integration of Business Lease into ?SOB Leasing creates a major player in fleet management and operational leasing, managing about 15,000 vehicles in the Czech Republic, where it would rank among the top 5, and some 10,000 vehicles in Slovakia, where it would reach the top 3 in the market.
New Parent Companies
?SOB Leasing Czech Republic and ?SOB Leasing Slovakia become the new parent companies of Business Lease in the two countries following the completion of the transaction. Initially, the Business Lease brand will be retained to ensure a smooth transition. Business Lease will continue to fulfill its commitments to its clients under the support of ?SOB Leasing in both countries. No action is required from clients following this operation. The next steps in the integration process will be defined later.
Background of Business Lease
Business Lease, a subsidiary of the Dutch group AutoBinck Group NV, is a provider of operational leasing and fleet management targeting SMEs and large enterprises. The group manages a fleet exceeding 30,000 vehicles and employs 244 staff members. Its headquarters are located in Prague, with operations in Central Europe including Bratislava. ?SOB Leasing Czech Republic holds about 16% market share as a leader in asset financing in the Czech Republic, with 25,000 clients. ?SOB Leasing Slovakia is the market leader in Slovak leasing.
