Mexico studies antitrust implications of Citi sale, expects bidder interest

Ministry says the departure from Mexico of the country's no. 3 consumer bank 'raises delicate matters for the finance and regulatory authorities'.

The Mexican government on Wednesday signaled it would be alert to possible antitrust implications of Citigroup's sale of its consumer banking operations in Mexico, and said it expected plenty of bidders to emerge for the assets.

In a statement, the finance ministry said the departure from Mexico of the country's no. 3 consumer bank "raises delicate matters for the finance and regulatory authorities, which will receive rigorous and strict attention from the finance ministry, including a fundamental issue regarding concentration." Finance Minister Rogelio Ramirez de la O said the government had "no bias" about who could acquire the Citibanamex assets and