Argentina's Banking Giant GGAL Expands Network Through Strategic HSBC Merger

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Grupo Financiero Galicia has announced a significant corporate restructuring through a merger by absorption between Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires and Banco GGAL (formerly HSBC Bank Argentina), effective June 23, 2025.

Key developments:

• The Argentine Central Bank has approved the merger through Communication "C" No. 100461
• Banco GGAL's commercial banking license will be revoked under Section 44(b) of the Financial Institutions Law
• All Banco GGAL branches will be integrated into Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires network
• Banco GGAL will be dissolved without liquidation as part of the reorganization
• The public offering authorization previously held by Banco GGAL will be transferred to Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires

This consolidation represents a strategic move to streamline operations and create a unified financial institution in Argentina, potentially improving operational efficiency and market position.

Positive

• Strategic merger approval received from Argentine Central Bank for Banco de Galicia to absorb Banco GGAL (formerly HSBC Bank Argentina)
• Integration will create a larger, unified financial institution with expanded branch network and operational capabilities
• Public offering authorization will be transferred to the merged entity, maintaining market presence

Negative

• None.

Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A.

CUIT: 30-70496280-7

Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, June 19, 2025.

To the Comisión Nacional de Valores (Argentine National Commission)

Ref.: Relevant Information

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to inform you that the required procedures before the competent authorities have been completed, and that the Argentine Central Bank has issued Communication “C” No. 100461, which states: “... in view of the authorization duly granted, on June 23, 2025, Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A. (“The Bank”) will carry out the merger by absorption of Banco GGAL S.A. Consequently, as of that date, the authorization to operate as a commercial bank previously granted to Banco GGAL S.A. shall be revoked, in accordance with Section 44, subsection (b) of the Financial Institutions Law, and its branches shall be integrated into those of Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A. as branches thereof.”

As a result, effective June 23, 2025, the Bank and Banco GGAL S.A. (formerly HSBC Bank Argentina S.A.) will begin operating as a single, unified financial institution, integrating the operations previously carried out by Banco GGAL S.A., a company that has been dissolved — without liquidation — within the framework of the corporate reorganization process.

Furthermore, the public offering authorization previously granted to Banco GGAL S.A. by the Argentine Securities Commission (Comisión Nacional de Valores) will be transferred in favor of the Bank.

Yours faithfully,

A. Enrique Pedemonte

Attorney in fact

    Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A.    

This constitutes an unofficial English translation of the original Spanish document. The Spanish document shall govern all respects, including interpretation matters.

Tte. Gral. Perón 430, 25° piso (C1038AAJ) Buenos Aires – Argentina Tel. 4343-7528 Fax 4331-9183 www.gfgsa.com

FAQ

What is the major corporate action announced by GGAL in its June 2025 6-K filing?

GGAL announced that Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A. will merge with and absorb Banco GGAL S.A. (formerly HSBC Bank Argentina S.A.) effective June 23, 2025. The merged entities will operate as a single, unified financial institution under Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.

When will GGAL's merger with Banco GGAL S.A. become effective?

The merger will become effective on June 23, 2025, as authorized by the Argentine Central Bank through Communication 'C' No. 100461.

What happens to Banco GGAL S.A.'s banking license after the merger with GGAL?

According to Section 44, subsection (b) of the Financial Institutions Law, Banco GGAL S.A.'s authorization to operate as a commercial bank will be revoked as of June 23, 2025, and its branches will be integrated into Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.

What happens to Banco GGAL S.A.'s public offering authorization after the GGAL merger?

The public offering authorization previously granted to Banco GGAL S.A. by the Argentine Securities Commission (Comisión Nacional de Valores) will be transferred to Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.

What is the corporate status of Banco GGAL S.A. following the merger with GGAL?

Banco GGAL S.A. will be dissolved without liquidation as part of the corporate reorganization process, with all its operations being integrated into Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.