The Bank of Scotland (BoS) says it is still in talks with mortgage bank Abbey National about a merger.

BBC: BoS says Abbey talks go on

As the year 2000 began we were wondering who would buy Nat West - finally of course the Royal Bank of Scotland did - recently Barclays bought the Woolwich and as the year ends we're wondering who'll get Abbey National - Lloyds TSB or Bank of Scotland?

BBC: Money Box - Saturday 30 December 2000

The most likely bidders remain Royal Bank of Scotland and Abbey National.

ECONOMIST: Britain��s banking battle