Abbey National takeover may be blocked

The British Competition Commission says it will consider vetoing the planned takeover of Abbey National by Lloyds TSB Group should it find that the proposed deal is against public interest.

Other options would include requiring the divestment of branches to competing financial service providers in areas where Lloyds and Abbey National have a high share of the market; or the sale of any of the existing businesses of either Lloyds or Abbey National.