Exclusive: Credit Agricole discussed terms of possible BPM deal with Italy govt

Group 1 - Credit Agricole representatives have engaged in discussions with Italian government officials regarding a potential merger between Credit Agricole's Italian unit and Banco BPM [1] - The talks indicate a strategic interest from Credit Agricole in expanding its presence in the Italian banking sector [1] - The discussions are part of broader trends in the European banking industry, where consolidation is being considered to enhance competitiveness and efficiency [1]