Govt considering merging PNB, OBC, Andhra Bank: Report

After deciding to merge Bank of Baroda (BoB), Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank, the government is likely to announce the merger of three other banks before the end of the year, according to a report by DNA Money.

The three public sector banks (PSBs) are likely to be Punjab National Bank (PNB), Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) and Andhra Bank, the report suggests.

"Government is analysing the merger of PNB, OBC and Andhra Bank, as it wants few large banks in the country," a source was quoted as saying.

The government is reportedly holding talks with banking officials to examine the feasibility of such a merger and will likely announce the move before December 31.

On September 17, the central government announced the proposal to merge three public sector lenders -- BoB, Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank.

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The cabinet is likely to approve a scheme of amalgamation of Dena Bank, Vijaya Bank and BoB next week, the report adds.

The three state-run banks would work on strict timeline and necessary regulatory process is expected to be over by the end of 2018-19, they said, adding that the merged entity should be operational from April 1, 2019.

The move follows top lender State Bank of India (SBI) merging five of its subsidiary banks with itself last year and taking over Bharatiya Mahila Bank, catapulting it to be among top 50 global lenders.