BBVA's takeover bid for Banco Sabadell has become a focal point in the Spanish banking sector, with BBVA aiming to expand its presence in the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) segment, where Sabadell has a strong commercial foothold. The Spanish National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) has released a report that challenges the Spanish Government's attempts to block the takeover, stating that Sabadell is not indispensable for SMEs, though there are risks for individual mortgage holders, particularly in Catalonia. Sabadell has estimated a potential €21.5 billion decline in credit availability to SMEs post-merger and has requested an eight-year safeguard period. Competing banks consider BBVA's proposed measures sufficient to mitigate possible credit reductions. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) made a cryptic reference to the takeover in its annual report on Spain. Banco Sabadell's CEO, Josep Oliu, has expressed hope that the Government will consider the adverse effects of the takeover. Meanwhile, Spanish banking officials have acknowledged that fintech companies are not a significant competitive threat in this context. European Investment Bank (EIB) Vice President Nadia Calviño has endorsed cross-border bank mergers within the EU, referencing the BBVA-Sabadell deal. Separately, Banco Sabadell's private banking division has surpassed €66 billion in business volume, and its Mexican subsidiary plans to continue expanding market share under Albert Figueras. Additionally, CaixaBank and French Natixis have made bids for Novo Banco, with the Portuguese Government signaling potential obstacles to CaixaBank's offer and indicating that unemployment subsidies would not be paid in a merger between Novo Banco and BPI if it proceeds.