As for Commerzbank, major shareholder Cobra investment group has already indicated that the end of the merger will almost certainly mean a cross border deal for its subsidiary.

BBC: A European merger wave is coming

Moreover, Cobra, a group of investors that is one of Commerzbank's biggest shareholders, has long been griping about the bank's share price and itching for a decent bid.

ECONOMIST: Unicredito is the bank's latest rumoured partner

Cobra requires companies with more than 20 employees that already offer group health insurance to continue the insurance for former employees for up to 18 months.

WSJ: Despite Subsidy, Cobra's Bite Still Stings for Many

It guarantees them, and those with lapsing COBRA, access to individual health insurance, or a new employer's group coverage, with few pre-existing-condition exclusions.

FORBES: Post-Job Health Care: Cobra And Beyond

Brazil has taken the Colombian threat seriously enough to set up a military task force as part of "Operation CoBra" - the title devised by using the beginning of each country's name - a dedicated army group with helicopter support.

BBC: Venezuela