French BANQUES POPULAIRES have formed a strategic partnership with the German bank DZ BANK. Initially, DZ will acquire 5% of the capital of NBP - NATEXIS BANQUES POPULAIRES, a subsidiary of BANQUES POPULAIRES. The French bank will acquire an equivalent share in the capital of DAZ, of which it already owns 0.8%. The second stage will be the creation of a joint holding to accelerate their development in eastern Europe. Germany will then sell half of its stake in the central bank of the Austrian peoples' banks, OVAG, for investment of around EUR 100 million for 12.5%. Finally, both partners will develop into a financing, investment and service bank with the creation of joint ventures according to trade.