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Rams Loans a takeover target: Symond

Rams Home Loans Ltd, the worst performing initial public offering in Australia this year, is a "prime takeover target," according to John Symond, managing director of Aussie Home Loans Ltd.

Rams shares closed on Friday at A$0.89 (US$0.70), from an initial public offering price of A$2.50 on July 27. Symond said he won't bid for the non-bank lender, though he would be interested in acquiring less well-known mortgage brokers.

"Maybe an Australian bank will pick them up for less than half price," Symond said in an interview on the Sky News Sunday Business program. "Aussie wouldn't go and acquire a brand because we believe we have the best consumer brand. To buy and pay money for a brand and not use that brand; that doesn't fit into what our plans are."

Symond, who founded mortgage originator Aussie Home Loans 16 years ago, said the surging cost of funding loans will "accelerate the rationalization" of Australia's non-bank lending industry.

"I've been vocal about rationalization because it is a relatively new industry and rules to entry have been very low," he said.

Symond said he is interested in acquiring a non-bank lender that raises money through brokerage.

"There are a number of non-bank lenders out there who will be looking for a bigger umbrella big brother," Symond said. "Aussie would be very interested in that."
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