Core Insights - BBVA's hostile takeover bid for Banco Sabadell has concluded after 18 months without success [1] - The bid was accepted by shareholders representing 25.47% of voting rights, falling short of the required 30% [2] - BBVA's bid valued Banco Sabadell at $19 billion [3] Company Developments - Banco Sabadell's CEO stated the bank has undergone a "major transformation" and aims for a profitability increase to 16% by 2027, alongside returning €6.45 billion to shareholders [3] - BBVA plans to resume shareholder remuneration through a share buyback program and the highest dividend ever [4] - BBVA expects to generate approximately €48 billion in cumulative attributable profit from 2025 to 2028 and allocate €36 billion for shareholder distributions [5] Industry Context - The attempted takeover was viewed as a test case for consolidation in the European banking sector [5] - The bid received clearance from the CNMV and the European Central Bank but faced opposition from politicians, business groups, and unions [5] - BBVA's earlier attempt to merge with Banco Sabadell in 2020 failed due to price disagreements [6]