Spanish Banks La Caixa and Caixa Girona in merger talks

Earlier today another Spanish savings bank, La Caixa, confirmed talks had taken place with smaller competitor, Caixa Girona, with regards to the possibility of a merger. This news comes at the end of a week that witnessed a string of mergers and action surrounding Spain's troubled savings banks, many of which are exposed to the collapse of the construction and housing market here.

La Caixa is a leading European savings bank - the third largest financial group in Spain by business and results - and owner of holding company Criteria, whilst Caixa Girona is operational mainly in the province of Girona.

There has also been further speculation in the Spanish press of a merger between two other savings banks, Bancaja and Caja Madrid.