Catholic Syrian Bank-Fairfax deal collapses on valuation:

Prem Watsa-helmed Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd’s proposed deal to pick up a 51% stake in Catholic Syrian Bank has fallen through over differences in valuation, according to five people aware of the matter.

The Canadian billionaire arrived at a valuation of Rs60-100 a share after an exercise conducted by global audit firm KPMG, said one of the five. All five spoke on condition of anonymity.

The bank’s own valuation done by an external agency put the number way higher. According to a 30 May Bloomberg report, this agency arrived at a valuation of Rs165-200 a share, plus a control premium of at least 15%.

Spokespersons for Fairfax and Catholic Syrian Bank did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment.

“As a policy we cannot comment on company-specific information,” said a KPMG spokesperson.

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