The ratings on Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (SEB) were placed on CreditWatch with positive implications on Feb. 22, 2001 following the announcement of the merger between SEB and Swedbank (A/Stable/A-1). The ratings on SEB reflect the strong market position of the combined SEB Swedbank group in the Swedish market. This both ensures stable earnings potential and improves the new group's ability to bear the costs and risks associated with continued international expansion. The new group will operate a multibrand strategy, retaining the brand name that has the strongest position in each business segment. With assets totaling Swedish krona (Skr) 2,052 billion pro forma at year-end 2000 ($200 billion at Skr10.26 to $1), the new bank group ranks as the largest
