The German retail banking arm of Citibank, part of the Citigroup financial giant, saw the number of interested German parties drop to one when Commerzbank withdrew from the race.
There is interest from outside Germany still, but within the borders of the country only Deutsche Bank remains an interested party. A couple of other big European players are looking at Citibank in Germany with interest, with a move expected before the end of the month. It continues what has been a turbulent time in the German banking market as a number of organisations have changed hands recently.
With around 3.25 million customers the German Citibank is expecting offers in the region of EUR4 to EUR5 billion, especially as it runs profitably and is one of the leaders in consumer financing, generating handsome returns.
It has been suggested by the Alliance and Leicester that small business owners can make their lives easier by carefully selecting the best bank to suit them, rather than just going for the nearest or most advertised.
The Alliance and Leicester head of Business Banking has said that choosing the right deal on a business bank account can make a real difference in the day to day running of the organisation. More money can be earned in interest, there can be easier access to funds and good communications can ease stress levels.
With these points in mind it may come as no surprise to hear that the Alliance and Leicester has been named as the current account provider of the year for business banking, an award it has now received for the last 6 years.
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.
