IS THE GULF SET FOR A WAVE OF CONSOLIDATION?

摘要

In early July it was announced that the boards at National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) and FGB, two United Arab Emirates-based lenders, had approved a merger that will create a combined bank with total assets of more than $170bn. The merged entity, which will operate as National Bank of Abu Dhabi, with FGB's shares being de-listed, is likely to become a major regional powerhouse. Some are also predicting that the deal could signal the start of a domino effect of mergers and acquisitions within the Gulf region.