CAM Bank to Merge with 3 other Caja's

Four Spanish savings banks announced Monday they would merge a part of their operations to form the country's fifth largest lender, amid concern over the solidity of the country's savings banks.

Cajastur, Caja de Ahorros del Mediterraneo (CAM), Caja Extremadura and Caja Cantabria informed the Bank of Spain of the creation of the new banking group, which will have 135 billion euros ($167 billion) in assets, 2,300 offices and 14,000 employees.

CAM and Cajastur will hold 40 percent each, Caja Extremadura 11 percent and Caja Cantabria 9 percent of the new entity.

The four will retain their boards of management and office networks, while combining functions such as risk control and credit assessment.

The merged entity would be Spain's third-biggest savings bank after La Caixa and Caja Madrid. The plan was expected to be approved by the shareholders of the four savings banks.


Keith
FINCA PARCS ACTION GROUP

www.fincaparcsactiongroup.com

fpag@btinternet.com