BMO Makes Big U.S. Bet With $16.3 Billion Bank of the West Deal

  • BMO to finance the takeover mainly with excess capital
  • BNP Paribas plans to return some cash through buyback
Lock
This article is for subscribers only.

Bank of Montreal agreed to buy BNP Paribas SA’s Bank of the West unit for $16.3 billion (C$21.1 billion), extending its presence in the U.S. and giving the French seller a windfall before its new strategic plan.

BMO will fund the transaction, which should add 1.8 million customers upon closing next year, in cash and mainly with excess capital, according to a statement on Monday. Bloomberg had previously reported the Canadian bank’s interest.