Sarasin appears to be the latest Swiss bank being targeted for a takeover, but are these just part of the constant rumors dogging the plight...

Sarasin appears to be the latest Swiss bank being targeted for a takeover, but are these just part of the constant rumors dogging the plight of mid-sized private banks in Switzerland? The latest theory suggests that Julius Baer—itself the subject of countless takeover speculation—would like to buy Sarasin. Raymond Baer, chairman of Julius Baer told the Swiss press last week that it is examining its strategic options. "We are in the process of examining the entire spectrum of possibilities," Mr Baer was quoted as saying in the Swiss financial magazine Stocks. Further speculation suggested that Julius Bear was interested in specifically doing a deal with Sarasin. According to one report, Julius Baer did not see Rabobank, which has a call option to buy a majority stake in Sarasin, as staying interested in the long term. But, the same story said Julius Baer was not under any immediate pressure to do a deal. This appears to be born out by further remarks by Mr Baer who said the bank was also examining possibilities to take over another Swiss wealth manager, but that internal reforms and organic growth were more important. "The first priority is always to improve the existing model and to improve our services so that we can continue to grow organically. Alongside that, of course, we want to exploit opportunities and analyse what makes sense," he said. But further speculation has surrounded the future of Sarasin. A source close to the bank suggested that HSBC Private Bank have been involved in discussions with the Basel-based bank.