EQB's Equitable Bank to Sell Bennington Financial to Desjardins Group

09:38 AM EDT, 10/29/2026 (MT Newswires) -- EQB (EQB.TO) on Thursday said its Equitable Bank signed a definitive agreement to sell subsidiary Bennington Financial to Desjardins Group. Bennington is a provider of commercial equipment leasing and financing. Under the terms, Desjardins will acquire Bennington at a price equal to a discount of 8% of Bennington's lease receivables. As of July 31, 2026, Bennington's portfolio included about CA$1.1 billion in lease receivables. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2027. The deal supports EQB's strategy to focus on its core growth priorities while simplifying its portfolio. EQB shares closed up CA$1.52 to CA$119.79 Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Price: 118.57, Change: +0.30, Percent Change: +0.25