RaiffeisenZentralbank (RZB), which indirectly controls Raiffeisen BankRomania, is holding negotiations with loss-making Volksbank, inview of a merger between the two major Austrian banks, according tothe Austrian press. Bank sources say Volksbank does not haveliquidity problems, but problems have to do with the capital level,which can no longer keep up with the rise in loan-loss provisions.RZB already has 6.1% in Volksbank and both banks received supportfrom the Austrian government in 2009. In September 2009, RZB had156 billion euros in assets, and Volksbank had 54 billion euros. Atthe end of last year, rumours emerged in Austria about Volksbankbeing placed under special supervision by the central bank.Volksbank announced a 200 million-euro capital increase for itsRomanian subsidiary, set to take place in February by conversion ofsubordinated loans. The prospective merger with RZB wouldstrengthen the bank's position on the Austrian retail bankingmarket. In Romania, the entity would be in direct competition forthe second position with BRD. Elisabeth Bleyleben, head of ErsteBank Austria, said that if RZB were to merge with Volksbank, thedistance between the newly created entity and Erste would increase,without the latter abandoning its objective of becoming marketleader over the next ten years.
Pentru alte știri, analize, articole și informații din business în timp real urmărește Ziarul Financiar pe WhatsApp Channels
