Life's getting Interesting - Bid by RBS led Consortium

An interesting entry by Pauline-(ABN AMRO Worldwide HR Head) in her blog and my reaction entry to the same.

It clearly reflects the present mood and uncertainty

Interesting week.....

Date
26 Apr 2007, 18:21 CET Category

It has been a few days since my last blog. This week has been among the most interesting weeks of my life, in many ways.

Oscillating between sadness and hope, excitement and concern, and all other colours of the emotional spectrum. Senior management worked all through the weekend on the various transactions, and when the first announcements came out on Monday most of us new that this was not the end, but a new beginning. And then the world changed again, when three new banks entered the arena. I have spent more time in town hall meetings this week than in most other weeks in the last 4 decades, and yet I know under the circumstances we can never communicate enough.

On the positive side, I can see a lot of opportunity in a combined bank with Barclays. My biggest concern today is that the current situation will destabilise the business, our clients, our people. The longer this goes on, the higher the risk that we will lose focus. I am writing this blog at the shareholders meeting, which is as hostile as was to be expected.

I am buckling up for a long and bumpy ride....

Reactions
27 Apr 2007, 08:00 CET

Kaushik Chakraborty, Consumer Banking - India
Thanx Pauline for your Update. You wrote after quite a gap.We all truely appreciate the time you take out to write this blog. I think it's during such times we as individuals and Organisation should show our true mettle and character. Lets not forget 'Tough times don't last but tough people do'

Aditya Kashyap dies

Suddenly saw in today's newspaper Aditya Kashyap died at the young age of 60......He was a childhood idol as one of the youngest Jt MD of TISCO and foster son to the man i admire the most as a professional Russi Modi.

It's indeed a short life and death can strike anytime.

ABN AMRO finally turns into Barclays PLC

The announcement finally came in today....the merger of ABN AMRO with Barclays is complete.There was telephonic townhall by Indian CEO Romesh Sobti and ofcourse the formal email to all by Worldwide Chairman.We still have to wait for the shareholders approval.

With all the new things happening around it was surprisingly a quite day in office for all.

ABN AMRO Merger talks

Uncertainty in life is increasing by the day with ABNAMRO merger talk and the surrounding uneasiness.

God knows what life will be next month this day.

An excert from the Chairman's message says it all.....


We have extended the exclusivity period with Barclays until the end of Friday 20 April.

The discussions are progressing, but there can be no certainty that they will lead to a transaction or the form it will take.

Separately, we have responded to the joint letter we received from Royal Bank of Scotland, Banco Santander and Fortis. We have agreed to meet with them in Amsterdam early next week in order to seek clarification on their intentions and interests.

Shubho Naba Barsha

The Bengali New Years day Poila Baishakh passed quitely.

Tried making the day quite eventful with a morning show movie 'Bheja Fry',which was a complete laugh riot.

Evening was a quite dinner in the best Chinese Restaurant in Delhi 'China Club'.

'NAMESAKE'

Just saw Namesake last weekend.

It's a movie which should be termed as a classic by all standards.

One of the best movie i've seen which is simply perfect from all aspect with it's subtle emotions,humour,storyline and some great acting.

Barclays and ABN AMRO merger talks

There looks to be some exciting times awaited in life due to some changes expected in my workplace ABN AMRO in next few days.....

A press release will reveal the present state of affairs......

Press release: Barclays and ABN AMRO outline of preliminary discussions 20-03-2007 Barclays and ABN AMRO announce outline of preliminary discussions

Further to the announcement of 19 March 2007, Barclays PLC (“Barclays”) and ABN AMRO Holding N.V. (“ABN AMRO”) confirm that they are in exclusive preliminary discussions with regard to a potential combination of the two organisations that would create value for both sets of shareholders. These talks are at an early and exploratory stage and there can be no certainty that they will lead to a transaction or the form it will take. Barclays and ABN AMRO have agreed to engage in discussions that seek to incorporate the following broad objectives: The holding company of the combined entity would be a UK incorporated company (PLC) with a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange and secondary listing on Euronext Amsterdam. The new entity would have a UK unitary Board and clear governance and management structures. The first Chairman would be nominated by ABN AMRO and the first Chief Executive Officer would be nominated by Barclays. The head office for the combined entity would be located in Amsterdam. Discussions have been initiated with the UK, Dutch and other relevant regulators as regards seeking the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) to act as lead regulator for the combined entity. The ultimate outcome of these discussions generally, and in regard to these specific objectives, will depend on the consultation with and the approvals of the multiple regulators and other stakeholders in the various jurisdictions. Further announcements will be made in due course.