Mid-size banks play hard to get

Spain's banking market is Europe's most attractive, and theoretically at least there's still room for more consolidation. Spanish bankers, though, reckon potential targets are not in a rush to give up their independence. But then they might overcome their hesitancy if the price is right.

SPAIN’S BANKS LOOK as if they may be embarking on a final phase of consolidation. One deal has been done this year, there’s another on the way, and the list of potential buyers is as long as the Paseo de la Castellana snaking through the centre of Madrid. There’s just one problem, Madrid’s deadpan investment bankers assert: nobody wants to sell.

Of course, nothing supports the price of a potential acquisition like the sense that it’s the last on the shelf.

Access intelligence that drives action

To unlock this research, enter your email to log in or enquire about access