The Belgian government is reportedly considering eventually selling its stake in French banking group BNP Paribas. Belgium holds 5.7% of the bank. The stake is valued at approximately €5.4 billion.
The consideration is part of Belgium’s broader strategy to gradually reduce stakes in banks it acquired during the global financial crisis to support the financial sector. Sources familiar with the matter said a sale is not imminent and is unrelated to the country’s current budget discussions.
Separately, regulatory filings on the same day showed that BNP Paribas Financial Markets reported share transactions in DCC Energy Plc. BNP Paribas REIM France disclosed dealings in Irish Residential Properties REIT plc.