ABN AMRO, the largest Dutch bank, is considering buying the Moscow ABSOLUT BANK. Originally, the bank will buy 20% of ABSOLUT BANK, unofficial reports say. At the same time, an option to additional shares will be acquired. Analysts say foreign banks may be interested in taking over almost every Russian bank with its regional branch network and developed retail business. Developed infrastructure, the bank’s size, its transparency and independence of industrial groups may be cited as main criteria for Western partners.
Source: BIZNES, July 13, 2006
