Santander approach to A&L could commence period of consolidation

by Gill Montia

Story link: Santander approach to A&L could commence period of consolidation

Alliance & Leicester (A&L) is reported to have been in takeover talks with Grupo Santander, the owner of Abbey.

Although discussions are not currently taking place, a further approach from the Spanish banking group is a possibility.

Until recently, Santander had let it be known that it had no UK acquisitions planned and would focus on organic growth and expanding its presence in Latin America.

However, A&L’s shares have fallen 43% in the wake of the credit crisis and this may well have influenced Santander’s stance.

The acquisition of A&L could also progress the Spanish bank’s plans to have 300 additional Abbey branches in the UK by 2012.

Such a move would highlight the vulnerability of the UK banking sector to foreign takeovers, particularly as the smaller mortgage banks could be face funding issues during 2008.

Some analysts are predicting a period of consolidation in the sector and if so, Bradford & Bingley is another likely takeover target, its value having dropped 43% during 2007.

London Scottish Bank (LSB), the personal loan bank, could also be of interest to a potential buyer, its shares having fallen by 45% in the past 12 months.

LSB is currently in the news for becoming the first London-listed bank to be ordered by the FSA to increase its reserves, following the introduction of new capital requirement regulations.