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SearchThe French banking group, owner of Novo Banco, will be a long-term shareholder and will have representation on Sabadell’s board. The two entities expect to begin commercial talks in early 2027; BPCE may increase its stake, subject to an announced cap of 9.9%.
The French banking group BPCE has acquired a 7% stake in Banco Sabadell in a transaction that both entities describe as friendly. The stake has been built through market purchases and financial instruments, making BPCE one of the Spanish bank’s largest shareholders. The French group has said that it intends to maintain a stable, long-term position.
The agreement allows for the possibility of increasing the stake, but the entities have indicated that it will not exceed 9.9% of the capital. BPCE will also be represented on Sabadell’s board of directors by one director. The transaction was reported to the National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) before the market opened.
BPCE’s entry is not limited to an equity investment. The two groups expect to begin formal talks in early 2027 to identify opportunities for collaboration in corporate and investment banking, equipment leasing, consumer credit and international business. For now, these are areas they will explore: the announcements do not detail any finalized commercial agreements or joint products already available.
According to Sabadell’s announcement, BPCE supports the bank’s strategy, growth plans and management team. Sabadell Chairman Josep Oliu described the investment as recognition of the strength of the bank’s project. Chief Executive Marc Armengol said the transaction strengthens the bank’s ability to execute its strategy. For his part, BPCE Chief Executive Nicolas Namias linked the investment to the group’s European diversification and expressed confidence in Sabadell’s team and potential.
Published reports put the value of the stake at around €1.1–1.2 billion, although estimates vary depending on the reference price used. The calculation based on Sabadell’s closing share price on the day before the announcement gives a lower valuation than some of the estimates that have also been reported. These figures are therefore market references, not a single valuation confirmed by both entities.
The investment comes after BBVA’s unsuccessful attempt to acquire Sabadell. Some coverage interprets the arrival of a key shareholder as strengthening the bank’s shareholder stability or as a factor that could influence future public takeover bids. However, this possible effect is an interpretation: the transaction does not confirm that Sabadell is protected against new offers, nor does it make it possible to anticipate future decisions by other investors or entities.
BPCE is a French banking group with a presence in several European markets and is the owner of Novo Banco in Portugal. For Sabadell, the practical outcome of the investment will depend both on how the stake develops and on the announced commercial talks. According to the plans announced, the latter will begin in early 2027 and have yet to be defined in detail.
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