Post merger PNB 430 BOB 1310 Indian Bank 203 and union Bank 275 branches either closed or merged in the name of branch rationalisation

 

Post merger branch rationalisation by public sector banks offers ready-to-move space for lenders on expansion mode

The move by five public sector banks to reduce their branch numbers is proving godsend for lenders looking to expand their network.

The branches being vacated by Bank of Baroda (BoB), Punjab National Bank (PNB), Canara Bank, Union Bank of India (UBI) and Indian Bank have opened the doors to ready-made premises for other lenders. For the latter set, network expansion happens faster, at reasonable costs (as owners of these premises are desperate to rent them out) and without the hassle of re-doing interiors

To cut down on operating expenses, the five PSBs have been merging or rationalising branches after the amalgamation of banks with them.

AS Rajeev, MD & CEO, Bank of Maharashtra, observed, 25-30 per cent of the branches opened by BoM last year were in the premises vacated by the PSBs. “The rent is comparatively less. That is why our rent outgo is not increasing despite the rise in the number of branches,” he said. BoM, which opened 82 branches last year, plans to open about 100 in FY22.

BK Divakara, CFO, CSB Bank, noted that 30-40 branches opened in 2020 and so far this year have been at premises vacated by a PSB. Divakara said the bank opened 101 branches last year and plans to open 200 this year.

CSB Bank actively scouts for ready-to-move premises being vacated by PSBs to avoid overlap of branches. These premises usually come with a strong-room (constructed to central bank specifications), counters and furnishings.

Branch rationalisation

After the amalgamation of Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank with BoB on April 1, 2019, the latter merged or rationalised 1,310 branches.

PNB rationalised about 430 branches after Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank of India were merged with it from April 1, 2020.

Canara Bank merged or closed 105 branches after taking over Syndicate Bank on April 1, 2020.

Union Bank of India merged or closed 275 branches after the amalgamation of Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank with it from April 1, 2020.

Indian Bank rationalised 203 branches after absorbing Allahabad Bank from April 1, 2020.