Takeover deadline extended for Islamic Bank of Britain

The deadline for discussions about the takeover of the Islamic Bank of Britain (IBB) by Masraf, the biggest Qatari bank, had been extended to January 7. IBB which is majority-owned by Qatar International Islamic Bank is trying to invigorate its business after the profit downturn in 2011 when it reported a loss of 8.9 million pounds. According to a separate statement released last week, IBB registered a 63% growth in home financing and a 43% up in long-term savings deposits in the first nine months of 2012. Management of the bank will continue focusing on secured financing and increasing of the loyalty of young savers.