The Republic Bank of Trinidad & Tobago has showed an
interest in purchasing shares of the Banco Mercantil of the Dominican Republic.
According to a report in Hoy newspaper, the Central Bank is also participating
in the negotiations. Hoy reports that the Central Bank has intervened to ensure
that the Mercantil group adopts a more flexible position regarding the bank?s
share price and the level of foreign participation. Hoy explains that the
Republic Bank of Trinidad & Tobago would be given 60 to 90 days to carry out due
diligence following the signing of a memorandum of understanding and to evaluate
in depth the statements presented by Mercantil, especially in regards to their
loans portfolio.