Credit unions’ traditional use of consolidation as one way to grow is a trend likely to rise over the next five years, according to industry experts. While the percentage of these deals climbs, there actually are fewer mergers because there are fewer credit unions. There were 4% fewer credit unions in September 2015 than one year earlier, according to CU Data.
Credit union consolidation continues.
Given their decreasing numbers, credit unions pursuing growth will need to consider alternatives ways to grow such as strategic mergers and acquisitions, a common strategy used in the for-profit world. Strategic M&A for credit unions may be motivated by distribution — offering existing products and services to new markets, members or geographies —or breadth — adding new products or services for their existing members. This important tool can generate noninterest income and allow credit unions to create unique value for their members.
At the CUES Directors Conference, Capstone CEO David Braun presented a workshop on Strategic Mergers & Acquisitions for Credit Unions, where he challenged credit union leaders to think creatively to generate new ideas for growth. At this standing-room only session, credit union leaders discussed the increasing importance of strategic mergers and acquisitions for their organizations and for the credit union industry as a whole.
David Braun presented a workshop “Grow or Die: Strategic Mergers and Acquisitions for Credit Unions” at the CUES Directors Conference in Orlando Florida on December 8, 2015
