An approach has been made by Lloyds TSB for German bank Dresdner as the well known UK financial institution looks to maximise retail opportunities across Europe.
Lloyds TSB has ridden the credit crunch very well and as such it is in a very strong position compared with many others. This is why it is making tentative enquiries regarding the German bank, valued at around GBP6 billion. It has a keen interest in the German market generally as it is also looking at a couple of other big name German banks that are potentially for sale.
At the moment there is no immediate need for action so Lloyds TSB will seek the views of their shareholders as to their thoughts on how they wish to see their funds invested before making any further steps toward purchase.
According to a recent Alliance and Leicester survey of 16 to 21 year olds in the UK, the ideal occupation would be a professional, and very famous, musician.
Over a thousand young people were surveyed to gain a better understanding of this valuable market segment, since the Alliance and Leicester current account is perfectly suited to the needs of young people. It seems that the youth of today aspire to be famous, seeing wealth come as part of the package.
As said, musician tops the list, followed by a role in the media, a socialite – which means no career at all most people over 21 would argue – and then fashion designer. As a top 4 it bears little resemblance to what is likely to be the reality for 99.9 percent of them, but it is always good to dream and maybe the Alliance and Leicester can help them manage their money so they can feel like they are rich.
Over 5,000 copies of the Nationwide Building Society Teenagers Guide To Money have been distributed to schools and colleges across the country.
The reason the guide was produced is that just under 70 percent of teenagers in a Nationwide Building Society survey stated that they did not really understand much about finance. With this in mind the Nationwide want to equip young people with a better knowledge and understanding of finance so they can make better choices when selecting a bank account and have to manage their own money.
A Nationwide Building Society spokeswoman said that the teenagers guide would help those people leaving school and equip them with a knowledge that will stand them in good stead for the future.