Global IME bank and Commerz and Trust Bank Nepal have entered into an agreement to merge the two units. A memorandum of understanding was signed by chairman of Global IME bank Chandra Dhakal and chairman of Commerz and trust bank Shovakar Neupane recently.

''We decided to enter into  merger agreement as other consolidation processes that we completed in the past gave a boost to our capital position. We are sure the successful completion of this process will further give a lift to capital base and strengthen our position in the market,' Global IME chairman Dhakal said.

The bank, which was organized known as Global Bank at the time of its establishment, has so far merged with five other financial institutions. But this is the first time it is trying to consolidate with a commercial bank.

If the merger process ends successfully, this will be the second instance of consolidation of two commercial banks in the country, following the merger will also turn the consolidated unit into largest bank in the country in terms of paid up capital.

Global IME Bank, which has successfully completed merger with   five other financial institutions ,currently has a paid up capital of RS 2.42 billion, while Commerz and trust bank has paid up capital of RS billion. Once the two units consolidate, the new unit will have a paid up capital of RS 4.42 billion.

To take the process ahead, the two banks have already established a merger committee and are filing an application at Nepal Rastra Bank tomorrow to get the banking sector regulators' nod to formally the consolidation process.

''We will then conduct due diligence audits which will give a complete picture of the financial health of the two institutions,''Dhakal said' Based on the results of the audits, we will determine shareholders 'stake in the consolidated unit.

However, right on the onset of the merger, the two banks have agreed to accept  Dhakal and Ratna Raj Bajracharya,CEO of Global IME,as chairman  and chief  executive of the  consolidated unit,respectively.''Besides, we have also agreed to include only one representative of Commerz and Trust Bank in the board of Directors of the consolidated unit,''Dhakal informed.