HSBC Oman to Hold Talks on Possible Merger Offer From Sohar International

DUBAI (Reuters) – HSBC Bank Oman said on Sunday it would hold preliminary talks with local rival Sohar International Bank after the latter last week held out the possibility of a cash-and-shares deal to merge the two lenders.

In a statement the unit of UK-based HSBC Holdings said it had considered the letter of intent it received from Sohar and had agreed to engage in preliminary discussions to obtain more information on the possible offer.

“If…