Karachi: SME Leasing Limited, a company engaged in the leasing sector, has announced the approval of a comprehensive Winding Down Plan. This decision was ratified by the Board of Directors, aiming to restructure the company’s operations and optimize its financial outcomes.

The parent company, SME Bank Limited, echoed this strategic move by approving the Winding Down Plan in a board meeting held on May 6, 2025. Subsequently, SME Bank Limited communicated with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) through a letter dated May 13, 2025, seeking a deferment of the proceedings that had been initiated for the winding up of SME Leasing Limited.

The Winding Down Plan includes several key components. Primarily, it involves the closure of branches, laying off employees, the relocation of the Head Office premises, and the disposal or sale of the company's immovable properties. Additionally, the plan outlines the sale or disposal of the leased portfolio to another operational leasing company.

Furthermore, there is an intention to sell SME Leasing Limited outright, with the expectation that this approach will deliver a more favorable sale price in a shorter timeframe compared to the liquidation process.

According to information available from the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), this initiative is part of a larger effort to streamline the company's operations and enhance its market competitiveness within the leasing sector. The designated market category for SME Leasing Limited remains a critical aspect of its operational strategy.

This development is significant as it reflects a strategic shift in the company's trajectory, aiming to maximize asset value and ensure efficient resource allocation in response to current market conditions.