Royal Bank of Scotland has confirmed that it, together with Fortis and Santander has expressed interest in acquiring ABN Amro.

Royal Bank of Scotland has confirmed that it, together with Fortis and Santander has expressed interest in acquiring ABN Amro. The consortium has requested access to the same due diligence information given to Barclays. The Dutch bank has today released its quarterly profits statement. Operating income at ABN Amro’s private clients division for the first quarter 2007 was largely unchanged compared with the first quarter 2006 and fourth quarter 2006, at €327 million ($443 millin) up from €320 million and €326 respectively. Net operating profit at the Dutch bank saw a healthy rise at €76 million compared to €65 million in the prior year period, due to lower taxes and operating expenses. The operating efficiency ratio at the unit was 68.5 per cent compared to 71.6 per cent in the prior year. This compares with 61.7 per cent in the previous quarter.