The consortium involved in the battle for the takeover of ABN Amro has now expanded its stake in the Dutch bnk to 4.1% at a cost of around €510m. Earlier this week it emerged that Royal Bank of Scotland, Fortis and the Spanish bank Santander had built up an interest of 3.25% in ABN Amro.

A spokeswoman from the Dutch-Belgian bank insurer Fortis confirmed to ANP news service on Wednesday night that a further 15 million shares have been bought for around €34 per share. ABN Amro’s dhare closed 1.6% down on Wednesday at €33,87.
The consortium has been embroiled in a takeover battle with Britain’s Barclays bank for ABN Amro for months.