Big Sky Credit Union Limited and Australian Unity Limited have today signed a Heads of Agreement to explore and evaluate a potential merger opportunity between the two organisations.
Both businesses have recognised that there may be a way to better serve their combined membership groups. An evaluation committee comprising senior executives and directors of both organisations has been formed to review strategic opportunities to create a strengthened mutual group.
The discussions are at an early stage. Should any more formal proposal be agreed by the evaluation committee, it would be subject to review and approval, including by respective Boards, regulators and the members of Big Sky Credit Union.
Both organisations believe that there is fertile ground to explore in such a union. Australian Unity’s 280,000 members could potentially benefit from the banking services offered by Big Sky while the 30,000 members of Big Sky could benefit through accessing the broad range of wellbeing products and services currently offered by Australian Unity.
Big Sky and Australian Unity have a proud record of serving their membership bases through organic growth and successfully merging with other mutuals and friendly societies.
Mr Tony Ryan chief executive officer of Big Sky said “Our two strong mutuals have proud heritages with strong member offers. It makes sense to formally review whether we can do more together.
“Big Sky has performed strongly during the recent economic downturn and while it could continue to operate successfully in its own right, the Board is interested in exploring an alternative which would see us further develop as a meaningful alternative to the big banks.
“We are open to all opportunities which we believe will benefit our members. Australian Unity has a set of complementary products and services to Big Sky and we should consider how these may benefit our members,” Mr Ryan said.
Mr Rohan Mead, group managing director of Australian Unity, said that the Heads of Agreement would allow each company to formally review each other’s strengths.
“The services provided by Big Sky to its members appear to fit well with the Australian Unity business approach and the member based structure and style of both organisations is clearly complementary.
“We believe a merger with Big Sky could strengthen our approach to providing members with a full range of wellbeing services, including financial services, throughout their lives,” he said.
Preliminary considerations have included Big Sky combining with the Lifeplan Australia Building Society. (Lifeplan became part of Australian Unity as a result of a merger between Australian Unity and Lifeplan Australia Friendly Society in 2009.)
Mr David Bryant, CEO of Australian Unity Investments and the responsible Australian Unity executive, said that he was interested in exploring all options between the businesses as members and customers were increasingly linking “investing” and “saving” and wanting access to trusted organisations to provide a range of services.
“We are serious about offering a very real alternative in financial and investment services. This opportunity has the potential to give us a significant boost in developing this approach,” Mr Bryant said.
