Branching out: IOOF conversion expands Bendigo's network

Bendigo Bank's customer service network expands by five branches on Monday as the bank finalises its acquisition of IOOF Building Society.

The new branches will be in Inglewood and Ararat in central Victoria, and at the metropolitan shopping centres of Southland, Northland and Highpoint. Also, an online agency will open in Kyabram.

Announcing the expansion, Bendigo's managing director Rob Hunt said the Bank was committed to maintaining full branch service for all IOOF BS customers.

"Those customers who today have access to a local branch will continue to enjoy personal service from Bendigo Bank,"Mr Hunt said.

"And from the Bank's point of view, the new branches will further add to our growing presence in regional and metropolitan Victoria.

"Our recent experience tells us there is a growing market for a bank which puts customers first and is prepared to make a commitment to quality face-to-face service.

"We are confident these new branches will grow quickly. The three new metropolitan branches, in particular, add enormous presence for us in key shopping centres in the state's major market."

Mr Hunt said the IOOF Building Society was acquired as part of the alliance between Bendigo Bank and IOOF.

"IOOF has 17 branches, 11 of which are in areas also serviced by our branches.

"From 28 June, the operations of those branches will be merged into the neighbouring Bendigo Bank branch.

"In the remaining locations, the branches will be rebadged as full Bendigo Bank branches."

Mr Hunt said the Bank was about to write to IOOF Building Society customers with final details of the transfer of their accounts to Bendigo Bank.

"That will take place next weekend, with the new arrangements in place for Monday 28 June.

"We anticipate many IOOF customers will visit their new bank branch in that first week and we will have extra staff on duty to help them with their inquiries.

"Those staff will include current IOOF Building Society staff who are transferring to us and will be of great assistance in smoothing the transition for their customers.

Mr Hunt said IOOF Building Society Visa customers would receive their new Bendigo Bank cards this week and should begin using them from Saturday.