STANDARD BANK /LESOTHO BANK 1999 MERGE
	Maseru June 27 - The Standard Bank and Lesotho Bank (1999) will merge their operations to form a new bank namely Standard Lesotho Bank Limited, starting from mid-July. Speaking at a press conference held at Lesotho Bank boardroom on Monday, the Managing Director of Standard Bank Lesotho Mr. Colin Addis disclosed that the integration process is planned to take place on July 15, 16 and 17. He said the merging follows a proposal made by Standard Bank Lesotho in January this year for formal integration of the two banks which Lesotho government has approved. He said the purpose of the integration is to ensure a more efficient business model that will meet the needs of all stakeholders, especially of customers so as to contribute to the future of the Lesotho economy and development. Mr. Addis added that as part of the merging plan and implementation process, staff from the two banks has been profiled to ensure that the new bank will have the right people who will deliver quality services to customers and clients. He mentioned that customers of the old Standard Bank and Lesotho Bank will not be immediately required to change their ATM or debit cards and cheque books as their account numbers will not change but will still be accepted for some time after integration. In conclusion the Managing Director indicated that the customers are expected to see significant changes which will include the new logo and signage of Standard Lesotho Bank. In the towns of Botha-Bothe, Hlotse, Mafeteng and Mohale's hoek, where the two banks had branches, one of the branches will be closed and all future business will be conducted from the remaining premises. In Botha-Bothe and Hlotse the bank will operate from the existing Lesotho Bank (1999) premises while in Mafeteng and Mohale's hoek it will operate from the existing Standard Bank premises.
	Source: LENA