Metro Bank has put itself up for sale, inviting potential buyers to make offers for the entire business.

The bank made a stock exchange announcement on (12 November that it had begun a formal sale process, appointing Morgan Stanley to handle approaches from interested parties.

Metro Bank stressed that no potential buyer has come forward. There is also no guarantee that a sale will take place.

The move follows a turnaround at the lender, which reported record annual profits in 2025 and has continued to grow its retail and business banking operations.

Metro Bank said it believed the business was now in a stronger position to attract potential buyers and that exploring a sale could deliver greater value for shareholders.

The bank highlighted its deposit base, commercial lending business and network of branches as key strengths.

It also repeated its profit targets, forecasting a return on tangible equity of more than 13% in the final quarter of 2026, rising to more than 15% in 2027 and 18% in 2028.

Under the sale process, interested parties will be able to hold confidential discussions with the bank without being publicly identified.

They will have to sign confidentiality agreements before receiving detailed information about the business and submitting proposals.

The process covers the whole bank rather than just a stake in the business.

Metro Bank said it would continue operating as normal and pursuing its existing plans if no acceptable offer emerged. Its board can also end the sale process at any time.