Aareal Bank is reportedly considering a takeover of its competitor HCOB

It appears that Aareal Bank is considering a takeover of Hamburg Commercial Bank (HCOB, formerly HSH Nordbank). Both companies are primarily real estate lenders, and both institutions are backed by U.S. financial investors. At the same time, Aareal’s owners, Advent and Centerbridge Partners, are considering a future sale or initial public offering of the company…