Barçala Demands Torres (Sabadell) to Maintain the Staff and the Network

The Mayor of Alicante, Luis Barçala, held a meeting yesterday, Thursday, with the president of BBVA, Carlos Torres Vila, to analyze the evolution of the takeover bid launched by the bank on Banco Sabadell. During the meeting, held at the City Hall, Barçala conveyed to BBVA's top executive the city's concerns about the impact the operation could have on the workforce and the network of offices of both entities in Alicante.

The mayor expressly requested the maintenance of jobs and the current network of branches and ATMs, emphasizing that his priority is "to ensure the jobs of Alicante's workers." Additionally, he highlighted the importance of BBVA continuing to support the city's small and medium-sized enterprises, which are essential to the local economic fabric. "Alicante is a service city with a strong presence of SMEs, which need the support of financial institutions for their internationalization," he stated.

Barçala also asked Torres Vila for BBVA to maintain the institutional commitments made with the city, such as the sponsorship of the Teatro Principal and its rehabilitation, as well as the organization of economic forums based in Alicante. These initiatives, the mayor noted, contribute to the national and international projection of the city and the development of its economic and cultural activity.

Meanwhile, the president of BBVA explained the details of the takeover process and reaffirmed his commitment to the territories where the bank operates. The meeting was also attended by BBVA's country manager in Spain, Peio Belausteguigoitia.

This meeting comes weeks after Barçala met with the president of Banco Sabadell, Josep Oliu, to address the same issue. The mayor reiterated his interest in preserving Alicante's interests within the framework of this financial operation, with special attention to maintaining employment and supporting the local economy.