Banking analysts are speculating about a possible merger of Barclays with rival international banks. The names include Standard Chartered. The bank is said to have initiated discussions in this regard. The move is a response to pressure from one of its activist shareholder Edward Bramson, whose firm Sherborne has acquired 5.4% holding in the bank recently. The bank’s chairman John McFarlane is also not averse to the idea of a possible merger with Standard Chartered. Reports suggested initial talks have already taken place between some directors of both the banks.
