1992 and its Impact on Local and Regional Banking Markets

Abstract

MOLYNEUX P. (1989) 1992 and its impact on local and regional banking markets, Reg. Studies 23, 523–533. The aim of this paper is to examine how the structure, performance and ownership characteristics of EC banking markets will influence the expansion strategies of large EC banks up to 1992. We will also examine the implied effect this will have on local and regional banking markets within the EC. The emphasis focuses on large bank acquisition opportunities available up to 1992. We find that the majority of potential big banks' acquisition targets are based in the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Luxembourg. The limited big bank takeover opportunities available to banks will probably encourage them to establish niche business branch networks overseas. It will also accelerate the current move of large banks to acquire small and medium sized regional banks across borders as well as to form joint ventures with institutions in other EC countries. MOLYNEUX P. (1989) 1992 et son impact sur les marches banc...