Deutsche in new merger rumour
(2 March 2004 – Germany) Deutsche Bank has refused to comment on market speculation that it has been in talks with UK bank HSBC over a possible merger.
According to reports in the British press, senior executives from the German bank held talks in London over the past fortnight with counterparts at HSBC.
Both HSBC and Deutsche refused to deny or confirm the speculation but one banking source close to the talks said it was very unlikely there would be any merger.
The market has been closely watching Deutsche after its chief executive Josef Ackermann admitted earlier this year that he was open to deals. Deutsche also held exploratory discussions with Citigroup in January.
The bank has admitted its financial performance needs to be stronger before starting new talks over a possible takeover or merger.
Both HSBC and Deutsche refused to deny or confirm the speculation but one banking source close to the talks said it was very unlikely there would be any merger.
The market has been closely watching Deutsche after its chief executive Josef Ackermann admitted earlier this year that he was open to deals. Deutsche also held exploratory discussions with Citigroup in January.
The bank has admitted its financial performance needs to be stronger before starting new talks over a possible takeover or merger.
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