Core Viewpoint - The Crelan Group and Crédit Agricole have signed a long-term partnership agreement, allowing Crédit Agricole to acquire a 9.9% minority stake in Crelan, which will enhance Crelan's service offerings and commercial development in Belgium [2][9]. Group 1: Partnership Details - The partnership includes commercial collaborations in asset management, private banking, wealth management, and leasing [2]. - Crelan and Crédit Agricole plan to establish additional joint commercial initiatives in the near future [2]. Group 2: Strategic Vision - Both Crelan and Crédit Agricole share a vision of cooperative banking, aiming to strengthen their services and provide high-quality banking solutions [3]. - The partnership is expected to benefit customers, cooperators, and society as a whole [3]. Group 3: Financial Implications - The partnership is projected to positively impact Crelan's consolidated 2025 transitional CET1 capital ratio by approximately 2% and have a non-material impact on Crédit Agricole's CET1 ratio [7]. - The conclusion of commercial agreements is anticipated to enhance the revenues of both groups [7]. Group 4: Crelan's Position - Crelan is a cooperative bank in Belgium, maintaining its cooperative model and values while ensuring that all deposits remain invested in Belgium [6]. - The bank has a significant presence with 4327 employees, 727 branches, and €55.8 billion in total assets as of December 31, 2024 [8]. Group 5: Crédit Agricole Overview - Crédit Agricole is a leading financial provider in France and a major player in European banking, recognized for its retail banking and asset management services [10][11]. - The group serves 54 million customers and emphasizes a customer-focused banking model [12].