Brussels, 16/09/2004 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has granted clearance, under the Merger Regulation, to the proposed acquisition of the 6th biggest UK bank, Abbey National, by Banco Santander Central Hispano S.A of Spain. The takeover raises no competition concerns since the two banks presently operate mostly in different countries. Banco Santander is Spain's leading banking and financial services group. In Europe, however, the group operates mostly in Spain and Portugal which...