The Dutch state plans to further reduce its holding in ABN Amro, cutting its stake from 20.7% to 10.5%, according to NLFI, the foundation that manages government interests. The move continues a process of unwinding the government’s bank ownership stemming from the country’s financial crisis period.
Bloomberg reports that the plan is part of the Netherlands’ broader effort to return ABN Amro fully to private markets. ABN Amro CEO Marguerite Berard welcomes the direction and says the state has consistently indicated its intention to fully return the bank to the market. Outlets also frame the change as a continuation of ongoing reductions rather than a new approach, with the key focus on the updated target stake level and the state’s stated end goal.
