Banco Santander confirms in talks with Venezuelan govt on Banco de Venezuela

Banco Santander confirmed Friday that it is 'in discussions' with the Venezuelan government in connection with the government's interest in Banco de Venezuela. In connection with recent news coverage on Banco de Venezuela, Banco Santander said it had considered the sale of Banco de Venezuela to a Venezuelan private investor group, with whom certain undertakings were entered into, but the sale was not, however, agreed. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez had announced on Thursday that he plans to nationalise Banco de Venezuela, one of the biggest Venezuelan banks.