Banks: Crédit Agricole takes over German medium-sized bank IKB

The French bank is expanding its activities on the German banking market. She financed the purchase from her own resources, but did not provide any information about the price.

IKB in Düsseldorf: The purchase is expected to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2027. Photo: picture alliance / imageBROKER

Frankfurt. The major French bank Crédit Agricole is taking over IKB Deutsche Industriebank. A corresponding agreement for the complete takeover from the financial investor Lone Star had been signed, Crédit Agricole announced on Monday evening.

The purchase is expected to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2027, subject to regulatory approval. The companies did not provide any information about the purchase price. The transaction will be financed from our own resources.

The Federal Republic is a core market for the French financial institution. “Germany is at the heart of our European ambitions,” said Olivier Gavalda, head of Crédit Agricole. With IKB, the group is gaining a company of exceptional quality that is closely linked to German medium-sized businesses.

IKB, based in Düsseldorf, employs around 600 people and has six regional offices in Germany. The bank's total assets amounted to 14.3 billion euros as of December 31, 2025, and the loan volume was 8.2 billion euros.

IKB boss Michael H. Wiedmann was also optimistic. “Joining the Crédit Agricole group opens a new chapter for IKB.” The bank will thereby gain financial strength and also gain access to the international network of one of the leading European banking groups, while maintaining its customer proximity and industry expertise.