Latest articles from Western Europe

Making that tractor roar

September 4, 2006

While expanding internationally, Europe’s big co-operative banks are at the same time drawing closer together, despite claims to the contrary by some of their CEOs. 

Sampo holds all the cards

August 7, 2006

Consolidation of the domestic banking sector has led to Sampo Bank being the only feasible target for takeover in Finland, Nigel Dudley explains.
In Helsinki, the main subject of discussion among bankers is the further consolidation of the financial sector and particularly the future of Sampo Bank, the smallest of the three institutions that dominate Finland’s banking business.

Lehman’s winning formula secures chemicals takeover

August 7, 2006

Lehman Brothers’ homework enabled German chemicals giant BASF to walk off with US catalyst maker Engelhard for a mere 5% above its initial unsolicited offer. Edward Russell-Walling reports.

Eastward expansion

August 7, 2006

Nigel Dudley reports on the favourable fortunes of those Swedish banks that have set up shop beyond their borders, venturing into Russia and even China.

EU must help Turkey ward off instability

August 7, 2006

With its neighbours in various states of strife, safeguarding Turkey’s obvious progress should be an EU priority.

Community service

August 7, 2006

National Australia Bank has revamped its UK holdings, Clydesdale and Yorkshire banks, as local financial centres with an in-house manager style reminiscent of the 1970s. Stephen Timewell reports.

Steely in the face of juggernaut threats

August 7, 2006

London Metal Exchange chairman Donald Brydon tells Karina Robinson that change at the institution is unavoidable but a sell off is not on the books.

Finland keeps it simple

July 3, 2006

Edward Russell-Walling talks to Finland’s finance director Satu Huber about the rationale behind the country’s successful 5/11 strategy for issuing sovereign paper.

Dark horse strikes gold in high-cost jurisdiction

July 3, 2006

Although Germany is not normally regarded as a good place for foreign banks to make a fortune, Citigroup’s experience shows there are ways and means. By Jan F Wagner in Frankfurt.

You’ve never had it so good

July 3, 2006

Corporate profits are up, bad debts are down and there’s a palpable air of prosperity in downtown Oslo, says Nigel Dudley.

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