Polish state-owned lender PKO Bank Polski is reportedly considering the acquisition of the corporate banking division of Magyar Bank Holding (MBH), but the deal is contingent on a strict condition: the complete removal of Lőrinc Mészáros and his associates from the institution.
The Hungarian financial group, closely tied to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s inner circle, has long been a focal point of political and regulatory scrutiny in the region.
This development comes as MBH prepares to raise €500 million through an international bond issuance, a move that signals the group’s intent to strengthen its balance sheet and expand its operations.
The reported interest from PKO Bank highlights the growing appetite for cross-border consolidation in Central and Eastern European banking, yet it also underscores the persistent political risks associated with MBH.
Mészáros, a key ally of the Hungarian government, has faced numerous sanctions and legal challenges in the EU, making his continued involvement a significant liability for any foreign acquirer seeking regulatory approval and market confidence.
This development comes as MBH prepares to raise €500 million through an international bond issuance, a move that signals the group’s intent to strengthen its balance sheet and expand its operations.
However, the prospect of a partial sale to a Polish competitor could reshape the group’s strategic trajectory, particularly if the corporate unit — a core profit driver — is divested under politically charged conditions.