Brookshire

If the long-rumored Stanbic–NCBA merger or buyout becomes reality, NCBA shareholders could emerge as the biggest winners in East Africa’s next major banking shake-up. The market already seems to agree. When news of a possible deal surfaced this week, NCBA’s market value jumped from about UGX 2.9 trillion to UGX 3.15 trillion in a single day, while its share price surged nearly 9%. Year-to-date, the stock has risen 56%, and over the past 12 months, it has gained nearly 78%, a clear sign that investors are betting on a major payout. Large takeovers typically come with a buyout premium of…