ANZ's $4.9B Suncorp Bank Buy Gets Initial Green Light, But Hurdles Remain
• Competition Tribunal approves ANZ's $4.9B acquisition of Suncorp's banking unit • Deal still requires approval by Australian Treasurer and Queensland government • Analysts see challenges from integration, cost pressures, and capital allocation • Deal adds scale in areas where ANZ trails rivals like home loans and SME lending • Decision will impact ongoing debate over merger reform in Australia