STRATEGIC PARTNERS
April 21, 2002
TOKYO - Nishi-Nippon Bank (TSE:8327) and Fukuoka City Bank (TSE:8539) customers will be able to use the banks' ATMs free of charge beginning in May as the two plan to merge by April 2003.
The banks announced April 19 that customers will enjoy free ATM access as the companies begin discussions on branch consolidation, staff cutbacks, the appointment of executives and a name for the new, joint financial group, according to Asia Pulse.
The merger will create Kyushu's largest bank, with a combined balance of outstanding loans worthy 5.42 trillion yen (US$41.58 billion) as of the end of September 2001. The combined balance of deposits was 6.38 trillion yen, Asia Pulse reported.
