RMB Wins Top Private Equity Deal, Oyeyiga Named Dealmaker

Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited (RMB) has been named the Private Equity Deal of the Year (West Africa) for its advisory role in Helios Investment Partners and Sojitz’s exit from Axxela, at the 2025 DealMakers West Africa Awards, marking the second consecutive year it has won in this category.

Also, Head of Corporate Finance at RMB Nigeria, Bimbo Oyeyiga, was recognised as Individual Dealmaker of the Year (West Africa) for his work on key transactions, including the Axxela exit, the N236 billion Presco Plc Rights Issue, and the N146 billion Stanbic IBTC Rights Issue.

RMB Nigeria was also ranked second in Financial Advisers by Transaction Value and third by Transaction Flow in debt transactions across West Africa.

The Bank was nominated for Deal of the Year for its lead role in the Presco Rights Issue.

The Axxela transaction involved Helios divesting its 75 per cent stake to Bluecore Gas Infraco, with RMB managing Sojitz Corporation’s tag-along process on the remaining 25 per cent, completing one of the largest private equity exits in Nigeria’s midstream energy sector in recent years.

Commenting on the recognitions, Chief Executive of RMB Nigeria, Bayo Ajayi, said “these awards reaffirm RMB Nigeria’s leadership in delivering high quality, impactful advisory solutions across M&A, private equity, and capital markets.

“Our recognitions, alongside Bimbo Oyeyiga’s individual honour, reflect the strength of our investment banking franchise, the depth of our client relationships, and the expertise of our team. We remain committed to structuring innovative transactions that create value for clients and contribute to the growth of Nigeria and the wider West African market.”

Also, Head of Investment Banking of RMB Nigeria, Chidi Iwuchukwu, said these recognitions reflect the depth of our advisory expertise, the strength of our client partnerships, and the talent we cultivate within RMB.

“We are particularly proud of Bimbo Oyeyiga’s individual win, which underscores the calibre of leadership driving our client solutions. We remain committed to executing impactful transactions that unlock value, strengthen industries, and contribute meaningfully to economic development across Nigeria and West Africa.”

Speaking on his award, Bimbo Oyeyiga said, “Being recognised as Individual Dealmaker of the Year is both an honour and a reflection of the trust our clients place in us. It reaffirms RMB’s culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation. I am particularly grateful to my colleagues, our clients, and the broader RMB network for the support that makes achievements like this possible.”