EBRD sells 1 million GDRs in NLB while maintaining long-term commitment to Slovenia’s leading bank

EBRD sells 1 million GDRs in NLB while maintaining long-term commitment to Slovenia’s leading bank

(IN BRIEF) The EBRD has reduced its shareholding in Nova Ljubljanska banka by 1 per cent through the sale of 1 million GDRs on the London Stock Exchange, retaining a 5.125 per cent stake and remaining one of the bank’s largest shareholders. The move enhances liquidity of NLB shares while reaffirming the EBRD’s confidence in the bank’s growth trajectory. NLB, Slovenia’s largest bank with nearly a third of national banking assets, operates in seven regional markets, has 386 branches, and serves close to 3 million customers. Since 1992, the EBRD has invested €1.64 billion in Slovenia, with strong involvement in infrastructure, finance, and energy.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 17-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced a further adjustment of its shareholding in Nova Ljubljanska banka d.d. (NLB), Slovenia’s largest bank, while reaffirming its commitment to supporting the institution’s continued growth and regional expansion. The Bank sold 1 million global depositary receipts (GDRs) through an accelerated bookbuild placement on the London Stock Exchange, representing approximately 1 per cent of NLB’s total shares.

Following this transaction, which took place on 17 September 2025, the EBRD retains a 5.125 per cent stake in NLB, making it one of the bank’s largest shareholders. The sale follows an earlier 1 per cent reduction in the Bank’s equity holding, originally acquired as part of a 7.125 per cent stake that supported the successful two-stage privatisation of NLB in 2018 and 2019. That process enabled Slovenia to meet its European Commission commitment to return the bank to majority private ownership.

By reducing its position, the EBRD is contributing to increased liquidity of NLB GDRs on the London Stock Exchange, further broadening the investor base for Slovenia’s leading financial institution. At the same time, the Bank has underscored its confidence in NLB’s long-term performance and strategic development as it continues to strengthen its regional footprint.

NLB plays a central role in Slovenia’s financial system, accounting for around 32.7 per cent of national banking assets. Beyond Slovenia, the bank maintains a strong presence in seven south-eastern European countries through its subsidiaries. Its extensive network spans 386 branches, employs roughly 8,300 staff, and serves nearly 3 million active customers.

The EBRD remains an active partner to Slovenia’s economic development. In 2024 alone, the Bank invested €77 million in the country. Since launching operations there in 1992, it has committed around €1.64 billion across 117 projects, supporting growth in infrastructure, corporate investment, financial institutions, and energy.

Media Contact:

Jelena Pajic
Email: media@ebrd.com

SOURCE: EBRD