HSBC in talks to buy Iraqi bank (19/05/05)

Global banking giant HSBC is in talks to buy a majority stake in Iraqi bank Dar Es Salaam Investment Bank. A private bank established in 1999, Dar Es Salaam has 14 branches in Iraq, eight of them in Baghdad and employs 450 staff.

According t o reports, HSBC is in talks about buying a 51 per cent stake

HSBC was one of three foreign banks given permission last year to start trading in Iraq.

According to Reuters, HSBC is in talks about buying a 51 per cent stake in the Iraqi company from the Khudairy family.

The deal, which must be approved by the Central Bank of Iraq and by the board of Dar Es Salaam, could be completed by July. "HSBC is committed to playing its part in the reconstruction of Iraq and to investing in the country in the long-term," the company said in a statement.

"In partnering with Dar Es Salaam Investment Bank, HSBC believes that it can create a leading personal and commercial banking service."

Source: BBC