Mergers and acquisitions as competitive strategic options within the banking industry: A case of CFC Stanbic Bank

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to generate new knowledge on Mergers and Acquisitions in the Banking Industry in Kenya and its importance, including the Motives and attraction behind it, establish how valuable partnerships can be built through M&A as a competitive Strategy, determine why CFC Stanbic Bank chose M&A as a Competitive strategy and also determine its effects on Management and Staff and finally to determine the challenges/pitfalls as well as the future of M&A within CFC Stanbic Bank. The study revealed how the Merger and Acquisition worked at CFC Stanbic Bank and also what it was perceived to be within the Bank. The significance of this study was to look at the concept of Mergers and acquisition as one of the Competitive Strategic options available in dynamic industries such as the Banking Industry, in order to survive and maintain competitive top slots. The Research also discussed various forces that determine competition and how CFC Stanbic Bank responded to its external environment with regards to obtaining Competitive advantages. CFC Stanbic Bank made intentional effort to please its customers even after the merger, using both offensive and defensive moves to counter the maneuver of rivals, and to strengthen its market position and its approach to securing a competitive advantage vis- a- vis rivals and the study captured these moves .