Comparison between BNL and BNP ParibasBNP Paribas is larger than BNL, both in terms of size and activities. BNP Paribas is a European leader in banking and financial services, with a significant and growing presence in the United States and leadership positions in Asia. The Group boasts one of the largest international banking networks, a presence in over 85 countries and 169,800 employees of which: 130,000 in Europe and 19,700 in Italy and 64,100 in France and the Overseas Departments; 15,000 in North America (BancWest) and 9,800 in Asia. BNP Paribas is also a component of the CAC 40 index in France. 1st largest French company and 5th in the global banking sector, 1st bank in the Eurozone6th most valuable international banking brandCore Business• Retail Banking • Corporate & Investment Banking • BNL Banca Commeriale • International Retail Services • Asset Management & Services • Other activities Banca Nazionale del Lavoro BNL is the sixth largest Italian banking group and ranks among the top 60 European banks and the top 100 banks in the world in terms of total assets. After the conclusion of the Takeover Offer by BNP Paribas SA, BNL's ordinary capital amounts to over 99%. BNL has a strong identity in the Italian market, a strength acquired because it can benefit from over 90 years of activity, experience and reliability. What were the main drivers of the acquisition of BNL by BNP Paribas and what makes the Italian retail banking market attractive The main driver for the acquisition of BNL by BNP Paribas is due to the fact that in Italy the first 5 banks only held a 35% share of the total banking market, so perhaps they saw a unique opportunity in the Italian market. Italians have saved more than the average European Union citizen, but pay higher bank fees. BNP's Italian business has already produced revenues of €750 million a year. So the main driver of this was investing for growth in a market where the competition wasn't as high as, say, France or Britain, but I also think BNP Paribas wanted to enhance their existing businesses. Being a new key player in the Italian banking and investment market, BNP Paribas wanted to do so by improving profitability by optimizing service quality, cost efficiency and risk management.