Svenska Handelsbanken: Nordic banking is a growing power

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Mutual funds: Norwegian market beginning to grow

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Sampo/Storebrand: time for the government to step in

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DnB/Storebrand: on the road to success

The two Norwegian financial services giants have merged at last. Storebrand could have waited for new rules allowing another firm to make a bid, but instead it has accepted a price lower than DnB offered in 2001. Even so, Storebrand will benefit from merging with its rival. The new Norwegian giant may also have the clout to achieve greatness abroad.

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DnB/Storebrand: a mixed blessing

The Nordic merger talks have fallen apart over a dispute about money: DnB wanted to cut its takeover offer further due to unexpected losses at Storebrand's Finansbank. Storebrand shareholders shouldn't panic though - changes in Norwegian regulations should allow the firm to attract foreign bidders and a whole lot more cash.

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Royal & SunAlliance: sell-off to continue?

Royal & SunAlliance [RSA] is to review the options for its Scandinavian operations having received several tentative approaches from potential suitors. Speculation surrounding its businesses in Sweden and Denmark suggests that RSA has not yet put its recent problems fully behind it.

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SEB: Privatbanken buy is a neat fit

The Norwegian Ministry of Finance has approved SEB's bid to acquire Privatbanken, a full-service commercial bank offering financing, deposits and money transfer services to affluent customers in the Oslo area. The acquisition should prove a good move for SEB, complementing the bank's existing wealth management activities in Norway.

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