Fennell Communications Releases

Wednesday 21^st March 2012

Minister Perry welcomes Apollo Global Management purchase of MBNA Irish Credit Card Operation

Minister for Small Business, and Sligo/North Leitrim representative, John Perry TD, has today (Wednesday) welcomed the news that Bank of America Europe Card Services has secured a buyer for its Irish credit card operation in Carrick-on-Shannon. 

MBNA has today confirmed that is has sold its Irish credit card business operation to Apollo Global Management, securing 250 of the 650 jobs at the facility. 

“This is extremely positive news for the region and for the 250 workers in the Irish Credit Card operation whose jobs are now secure.  The confirmation that the 200,000 customer accounts with a balance of €650M are secure is also very optimistic for the longterm future of the plant.

After the announcement last August Minister Perry visited with MBNA management and staff to assure them of the Government’s commitment to work with the IDA through its Global Network in assisting the company to find a buyer for the business as a going concern, to protect jobs and secure the long-term future of the facility.

“As TD for Sligo/North Leitrim I know a number of people from across the region that are employed at the facility and I wanted to assure the staff and management that the Government would make every effort in assisting Bank of America in looking for a buyer for their Irish operation.  I am delighted that the hard work by all stakeholders has now paid off.  The perseverance of the staff, management, my Department and the IDA must be acknowledged.”

Minister Perry also welcomed the news that the UK operations, which are also served by the Carrick facility will remain as a going concern as part of the UK business.

“The fact that the UK business has been secured is also wonderful news for the 400 workers who are currently employed by this branch of the operation.  I hope this news that it will be kept on as a going concern means there is potential to further utilise and grow the business and workforce in the future.”

ENDS