Consolidating

摘要

Matt barrett is not one to let the grass grow under his feet. The boss of Barclays, one of the big four British clearing banks, was quick to react when, on August 4th, the Treasury rejected a suggestion that bank mergers should automatically be referred to the competition authorities. Five days later Barclays unveiled plans to take over Woolwich, a former building society (thrift). The deal may mark the beginning of another round of consolidation in an increasingly competitive industry.