KBC completes Czech and Slovak Business Lease acquisition

KBC Group has completed the acquisition of Business Lease operations in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, following regulatory approval from competition authorities in both countries.

ČSOB Leasing Czech Republic and ČSOB Leasing Slovakia, both part of KBC Group, have acquired 100% of the shares in Business Lease s.r.o. and Business Lease Slovakia s.r.o. from AutoBinck Group. The transaction was first announced on 23 October 2025.

The total consideration for the deal is €72 million. KBC Group said the transaction will have only a limited impact on its capital position, reducing its unfloored fully loaded CET1 ratio by four basis points.

The acquisition expands KBC Group’s leasing activities in Central Europe and strengthens its position in both markets. Following the integration of Business Lease into ČSOB Leasing, the combined operations will manage approximately 15,000 vehicles in the Czech Republic, positioning the group among the top five fleet management and operational leasing providers in the market, and around 10,000 vehicles in Slovakia, making it a top three provider.

Upon completion of the transaction, ČSOB Leasing Czech Republic and ČSOB Leasing Slovakia have become the new parent companies of Business Lease Czech Republic and Business Lease Slovakia. KBC Group said the next steps in the integration process will be defined in due course.

The Business Lease brand will continue to be used in the initial phase following the transaction. Customers are not required to take any action, and the companies said service provision will continue without change.

Johan Thijs, chief executive of KBC Group, said the acquisition would support the group’s growth in the region.

“By joining forces with Business Lease, we’re accelerating our growth and setting new standards for mobility in Central Europe. This partnership empowers us to deliver smarter, more sustainable leasing solutions for our customers and strengthens our position in both markets.”

Daniel Kollár, chief executive of ČSOB, said the transaction would reinforce the group’s presence in the Slovak leasing market, particularly in operational leasing.

“This strategic acquisition further strengthens our leadership in the Slovak leasing market, particularly in operational leasing, where we will become an even stronger partner for the logistical needs of Slovak companies. It demonstrates our ambition to expand and pursue growth opportunities across all segments.”

AutoBinck Group chief executive Vincent Weijers said the sale of the Czech and Slovak operations formed part of a broader strategy in response to consolidation in the European fleet leasing market.

“Over the years, the Business Lease team has built a strong and successful presence in five European markets. Amid rapid market consolidation, partnering with larger players offers the best path for future growth. The sale of the Czech and Slovak operations to KBC marks the first step in that direction.”

Elias Drakopoulos, chief executive of Business Lease Group, said: “We’re confident that KBC is the right partner to ensure the continued success of our Czech and Slovak operations and will offer an excellent new home for our valued colleagues.”