As planned, MERITANORDBANKEN, controlled by NBH - NORDIC BALTIC HOLDING, has taken over control of the Norwegian bank CHRISTIANA by acquiring the 34.64% stake held by the Norwegian State at the price of NOK 49 per share, for a total value of NOK 27 billion. This operation will give rise to a new group claiming EUR 107 billion in assets under management, EUR 221 billion balance sheet total and nearly 10 million clients. See yesterday's EI.