Italy's Central Banker Feels the Heat for Foreign Mergers.

Reports that the chairman of Italy's central bank, Antonio Fazio, faces pressure to allow foreign banks more access to one of Europe's most fragmented banking markets, home to about 800 banks. Interest shown by two foreign banks in taking over a pair of Italian lenders; Reference to the fact that no foreign bank owns more than 15% of the voting shares in an Italian institution; Ability of Mr. Fazio to turn down these deals; Requirement that he be consulted before any proposed acquisition; Interest of Spain's Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA in Banca Nazionale del Lavoro SA; Interest of Dutch bank ABN Amro Holding NV in Banca Antoniana Popolare Veneta SpA.