VOL. XLIV

No 52

24/31-December-2001

LEBANON

Mergers Seen Improving LebanonBanking Sector, But Further Consolidation Needed

The recent wave of mergers, somecompleted and some in the pipeline, are expected to strengthen Lebanons bankingsector in the currently difficult economic climate, but further consolidationis needed in the industry, say sector experts. The government has been offeringincentives for the countrys 65-plus banks to merge, fearing that the smallerones are too vulnerable to...