AMP denies merger talks

amp disclosure ASX ASIC national australia bank chief executive

29 August 2001
| By Jason Spits |

AMP has responded to media speculation that it has been in discussions regarding a merger with the National Australia Bank.

The Australian and Australian Financial Reviewnewspapers stated yesterday that the two groups had been in talks for some time this year with a view to merge.

In a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) AMP said it would not respond to the claims but after it was queried by the ASX the financial services giant to said it had to break its self imposed silence on media speculation.

In replying to the ASX, AMP chief executive Paul Batchelor says there were "no discussions whatsoever in 2001 between AMP and National Australia Bank regarding a merger or takeover."

Batchelor confirmed the company's policy of remaining silent on speculation but says it broke the silence reluctantly because the comments were not in “shareholders interests for the company to become hostage to such mischevious reports.

He also says he hopes AMP statement will end such rumours which he claims are adversely impacting the company's staff, customers and shareholders.

AMP’s statement is the second response to one of the two market regulators in the last month. In late July the Australian Securities and Investment Commission examined the disclosure practices of the group after the ASX notified ASIC of selective analyst briefings given by AMP.

AMP maintained that the briefings were not designed to release information to limited sections of the market and has since worked with ASIC in the development of new disclosure procedures.

Read more about:

AUTHOR

Recommended for you

sub-bgsidebar subscription

Never miss the latest news and developments in wealth management industry

MARKET INSIGHTS

GG

So shareholders lose a dividend plus have seen the erosion of value. Qantas decides to clawback remuneration from Alan ...

2 months 3 weeks ago
Denise Baker

This is why I left my last position. There was no interest in giving the client quality time, it was all about bumping ...

2 months 3 weeks ago
gonski

So the Hayne Royal Commission has left us with this. What a sad day for the financial planning industry. Clearly most ...

2 months 3 weeks ago

Insignia Financial has made four appointments, including three who have joined from TAL, to lead strategy and innovation in its retirement solutions for the MLC brand....

1 week 3 days ago

The Reserve Bank of Australia's latest interest rate announcement has left punters disheartened on Melbourne Cup Day....

1 week 2 days ago

The Federal Court has given a verdict on ASIC’s case against Dixon Advisory director Paul Ryan which had alleged he breached his director duties....

1 week 1 day ago