A Strategic Power Play
For its part, BBVA is casting the takeover as a transformational merger that would forge one of Europe’s most powerful banking groups.
“The union of two highly complementary banks at their best moment has undeniable logic,” said BBVA Chair Carlos Torres Vila. He called the move beneficial for shareholders, employees, and society alike, urging Sabadell investors to join “a European leader in growth and profitability.”
BBVA claims the deal would deliver a 25% earnings-per-share boost for Sabadell investors compared to going it alone. It also projects annual cost synergies of €900 million by 2029, largely from efficiency gains and savings.
Banking’s Battle of Scale
The hostile bid marks the latest twist in Spain’s most dramatic banking contest in years, highlighting the fierce competition for scale in Europe’s financial sector. For BBVA, it’s a bold gamble to secure efficiency, market dominance, and a long-term growth story — if it can bring Sabadell shareholders on board.
