Bank analysts have long been expecting some cross-border bank mergers in Europe.

ECONOMIST: Unicredito is the bank's latest rumoured partner

But Canal Plus came up against the hostility in Europe to cross-border mergers.

ECONOMIST: European Media: Flirtation and frustration | The

And Europe remains a difficult place for cross-border mergers in financial industries.

ECONOMIST: Yes, but who won?

In both America and Europe, most cross-border deals for now are selective forays rather than big mergers between leading banks.

ECONOMIST: Banking is becoming a less local business