Deals - Sep 24, 2025

Asafo & Co. has advised Harvest Capital Holding, an Ivorian investment holding company led by businessman Koné Daouda Soukpafolo, on its strategic acquisition of a 52.89% majority stake in Versus Bank from the State of Côte d’Ivoire.

This acquisition marks Harvest Capital Holding’s entry into Côte d’Ivoire’s banking sector, reinforcing its longstanding presence in agribusiness, infrastructure, and services. The investment will support Versus Bank’s new growth strategy, aimed at diversifying its services, expanding its branch network, and accelerating its digital transformation.

The transaction, which received approval from the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) and the Banking Commission of the West African Monetary Union (UEMOA), also strengthens Versus Bank’s historic role as a financial partner to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) while setting the foundation for its transformation into a universal bank capable of addressing the growing demand for financial services in the Ivorian economy.

The Asafo & Co. team advising on the transaction was led by partner Patrick Larrivé, who was assisted by associates Guy-Fabrice Holo, Kenza Maazoun, Assia Khalidi and Adji Dieng. KeysFinance Partners acted as financial advisor to Harvest Capital Holding.