– I think it is very negative for competition that Danske Bank is now withdrawing from the Norwegian retail customer market, because they have proven to be a price pusher. That’s what civil economist Hallgeir Kvadsheim says about today’s news. He explains that for the customers of Danske Bank, this means that in a while they will have a new bank. But for around 400 employees in Danske Bank, it could mean a more uncertain time ahead. – People are really worried about their jobs Today came the news that Danske Bank will no longer offer banking services to private customers, and has started a process to perhaps be able to sell this part of the company in Norway. At the same time, the employees also received information about the news. And the reactions they have had have been different, says chief shop steward at Danske Bank, Ellen Lorentzen Stene. – It has been a bit like “OK, what do we do now?” to people who are really worried about their jobs. The entire emotion register is used today and will be used for some time to come. You are also disappointed that you are not invested in. The bank with headquarters in Trondheim has around 400 employees who work with the private market. Nevertheless, Stene has faith that things will work out for everyone involved, both in Trøndelag and elsewhere in the country. – We hope that we will find a buyer with the same values as ours. You can’t promise anything, but at the same time they see us as a very good product. We have wonderful employees. We have wonderful customers. Those who buy from us are very lucky, she adds. But it can also mean that customers are looking for other banks. – This is a good opportunity to look around for something new, and perhaps get better terms in another bank. That’s what Are Oust says. He is a professor of economics at NTNU and has been a customer of Danske Bank for 40 years. But now it’s over. Are Oust says Danske Bank customers must use the power they now have to negotiate good deals with other banks. Photo: Bent Lindsetmo / news Betting on companies The reason must be that it has been difficult to operate profitably. Now they would rather direct their operations in Norway towards companies and large customers. – We have had a strategic review of all activities in the bank throughout the group, at Nordic level. There we have had to opt out of some activities in order to be able to invest more in other activities, and what we have chosen to invest in are things that lie outside the private market in Norway. This is what Erlend Angelfoss, country manager of Danske Bank Norge, says to news. The bank has a market share of 6 per cent and a balance sheet of around NOK 200 billion in mortgages in the private market, according to E24. About 400 people are employed in this part of the company. – We have very good customers in the private market and are aware of a great responsibility. Our customers do not need to take any action as part of the process surrounding a possible sale of this part of the branch, and we are confident of finding good solutions that are in the best interest of our personal market customers. Erlend Angelfoss is the country manager of Danske Bank Norge. Photo: Bent Lindsetmo / news The Norwegian Competition Authority follows the Norwegian Competition Authority and says they will make a thorough assessment when it becomes clear who wants to buy the business. – There are many banks in Norway, but there is a big difference in their size. Danske Bank is one of the largest banks in Norway, and we will have to make a thorough assessment of the acquisition. The assessment will depend on who buys the business. That’s what Gjermund Nese, director of the Norwegian Competition Authority, tells NTB. The bank warns that it will provide more information about a possible sale at the latest in connection with the figures for the second quarter being presented in July.
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Danske Bank is leaving the Norwegian private market – news Trøndelag
