Summary:
- HBF to acquire 100% of CUA Health Limited
- HBF and Credit Union Australia Limited (CUA) have also entered into a five-year distribution
agreement, bringing together two customer-focussed organisations founded over 75 years ago
- Acquisition to build on HBF’s national growth strategy by growing its member base to over
1 million, representing circa 8% of national market share with 17% living outside of WA
- Move will further strengthen HBF’s more than $2 billion in assets
- Completion of the acquisition is targeted for Q3 CY2021
HBF and CUA are pleased to announce they have entered into a binding agreement under which HBF will acquire 100%
of
the shares in CUA Health Limited, the owner of the private health insurance business known as CUA Health. HBF
and
CUA have also partnered together under a five-year distribution agreement that will see HBF’s health
insurance
policies marketed to CUA’s banking customers including distribution through CUA branches.
The acquisition delivers on key strategic priorities for each organisation. For HBF, Australia’s second
largest not-for-profit health insurer, it will add meaningful scale outside of WA, building on its national growth
strategy. For CUA, Australia’s largest customer-owned bank – soon to be known as Great Southern Bank
– it ensures the organisation can focus on its core banking business and helping customers on their home
ownership journey.
CUA Health’s approximately 79,000 members will see no immediate change, with the majority expected to benefit
from lower premiums, enhanced benefits, or both as HBF members. All CUA employees currently working in their health
insurance business will be offered a role with HBF in Brisbane.
HBF Chief Executive Officer John Van Der Wielen said:
“HBF and CUA are highly compatible, purpose-driven
organisations that have a member-first ethos and I look forward to warmly welcoming CUA Health’s members
and
staff to HBF.
“Acquiring CUA Health is a significant and compelling strategic move for HBF to further propel our
national
growth strategy, building on the strong organic growth we’ve seen across Australia since our bold
advertising
campaign launched nationally in 2020. It will drive our membership base beyond 1 million, with approximately 17
per
cent living outside of WA, up from around 11 per cent currently, and will provide us with great opportunities to
grow our number of employees outside WA.”
“Delivery of this growth strategy is about enhancing HBF’s ability to become national and will
further
strengthen our industry leading balance sheet. By building economies of scale at a national level we will
continue
to provide competitively-priced products and maintain high-value health cover for every one of our members. HBF
is
committed to doing the right thing by its members, as seen with the upcoming return of surplus deferred claims
provisions from COVID-19, our full 12-month cancellation of 2020 premium increases in response to COVID-19, and
a
track record of keeping downward pressure on premium increases over the past decade.”
CUA Chief Executive Officer Paul Lewis said:
“Our two companies have long and proud histories and share
similar values, with both organisations committed to a customer-focussed business model delivering strong value
for
customers.
“This move allows both of us to focus on our core business and key strengths. For CUA, we can focus on our
core banking business and helping customers with all aspects of their home ownership journeys, whether
it’s
saving for a first home, buying a portfolio of houses, or being financially secure enough to help the kids buy
their
first property.
“CUA’s purpose is to help all Australians own their own homes. The money raised from this sale will
increase our ability to achieve this and give us the opportunity to pursue growth options for our core banking
business. This is just the next step in what is going to be a huge year for CUA as we transition to Great
Southern
Bank.”
Completion of the acquisition is targeted for later in Q3 CY2021, with no formal regulatory approvals required for
the acquisition. The terms of the acquisition are confidential. The purchase price will be funded by HBF’s
existing cash reserves from its continued strong balance sheet, with the proceeds to enhance CUA’s Tier 1
capital.
Contact HBF: Shae Spark, HBF Corporate Affairs, shae.spark@hbf.com.au / 0403 240
558
Contact CUA: Tansy Harcourt, CUA Corporate Affairs, tansy.harcourt@cua.com.au / 0428 602
508