There are chances that Banco Santander SA (SAN), which is said to be Spain's biggest bank, buys the shares of Banco Espanol de Credito SA. It will be done so to merge the businesses under one brand. Moreover, it will make the handling of the business a lot of easier.

Sources known to the matter were of the view that the company officials will meet today to take a decision on the same. It shall be noted that the shares, which are under consideration for now, not being owned by Banco Santander SA.

If consolidation takes place then it will be termed as commercial integration. It was in 1994 when Santander purchased Banesto, a retail bank. Though major portion that is 90% is under the control of Santander, the company has been thinking to get a complete control over the same by buying the remaining shares.

Terming the decision to be the latest move of consolidation among country's lenders, it shall be noted that absorption will cost them approximately 218 million euros. Till last month, Santander announced that they were studying the pros and cons of taking the consolidation move. Decision is pending until meeting takes place.