Artur Ślesik

A fresh industry report flags potential nerves for AIB and Bank of Ireland if Austrian bank Bawag moves ahead with a takeover of Permanent TSB, according to The Business Post. The lenders could see pressure on profitability, the report noted. Timing’s key here: Permanent TSB is still the last of Ireland’s major banks with the state holding a chunk—57%, worth about €998 million as of Feb. 11—since the bailout days. Bawag, with its existing presence via mortgage player MoCo, could push further into the Irish market if a deal happens. But it’s a space largely run by AIB Group and Bank of Ireland, and, for now, Spain’s Bankinter is downplaying any interest in a bid.