Sabadell studying possible Abanca deal to fend off BBVA - reports

(Sharecast News) - Spanish banking group Banco de Sabadell is reportedly considering a potential merger with smaller lender Abanca as it attempts to fend off a hostile takeover by sector giant BBVA. According to Spanish newspaper Expansion, Sabadell has already held talks with shareholders of Abanca about a possible tie-up, though the latter's management is less keen on the idea.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg cited people close to the matter as saying that the Spanish government would likely encourage a deal between Sabadell and another bank that isn't BBVA.

The government is against the proposal of a BBVA-Sabadell combination due to its potential negative effect on competition in the banking industry, though the country's competition regulator gave their green light on 30 April.

Spanish politicians are not authorised to block the deal, but have until the end of June to announce whether they want to impose additional conditions on a potential deal.

Sabadell shares were up 1.9% at €2.68 by 1046 in Madrid, while BBVA gained 1.5% to €13.01.