DS Global Holdings Inc. agreed to acquire 100 percent of Pangasinan Bank (A Rural Bank) Inc., marking the investment firm’s first major acquisition as it builds financial ecosystem ahead of the planned initial public offering.

The two parties finalized the deal during a signing ceremony on Friday, Jan. 23. DS Global Chairman and Founder Ronnie Alemania said the acquisition of the five-decade-old lender represents a shift from the company’s traditional strategy of organic growth and scaling internal ventures.

The transaction is expected to close within three to five months, pending customary regulatory approval from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

The acquisition is designed to integrate the rural bank into DS Global’s broader portfolio, allowing the firm to leverage the bank’s existing license while modernizing its operations.

Alemania said the infusion of capital and technology will accelerate the lender’s digital transformation, specifically targeting faster credit evaluations and loan approval processes.

He expressed confidence in securing the necessary central bank nods, citing the holding firm's robust capital position and its capacity to scale the bank's operations to meet global standards.

The deal follows several months of negotiations, which began in earnest during a preliminary meeting on Sept. 17 last year.

Alemania noted that the timeline for the transition has remained on track, and the acquisition of a bank with nearly 50 years of history provides a stable foundation for the firm’s diversification efforts.

He said that the decision to acquire the rural bank was based on its long-term legacy and the strength of its founding movers, rather than short-term performance metrics.

The move serves as a cornerstone for DS Global’s long-term roadmap. Alemania revealed that the holding company aims to list on the stock exchange within the next three to five years.

By consolidating financial assets and manpower under the DS Global umbrella, the firm expects to improve its competitiveness and valuation ahead of the IPO.

While the company remains open to future acquisitions on an opportunistic basis, Alemania said the immediate priority is the seamless integration of Pangasinan Bank into the group’s ecosystem.