BBVA boasts about the credit it has given to SMEs in the midst of its takeover bid for Sabadell.

BarcelonaSMEs have become a hot topic, especially since BBVA launched its takeover bid (OPA) for Sabadell in May of last year. This is one of the essential elements in this potential merger, which for now is in the hands of the Spanish government following approval from the National Commission of Markets and Competition (CNMC). And the Basque-based bank is citing this fact at a time when complaints are pouring in from the Catalan business community about a possible reduction in credit volume and supply if the merger goes ahead.

The bank's head in Spain, Peio Belausteguigoitia, took advantage of this during a meeting of the group's regional advisory board in Catalonia, held in Barcelona. He noted that the bank's new financing for SMEs, self-employed workers, and businesses in Catalonia grew by more than 10% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year. But the increase is 16% if only credit for SMEs is taken into account, the institution assures.

The regional advisory board is made up of renowned entrepreneurs and independent experts in the Catalan business world. Belausteguigoitia highlighted "the excellent competitive momentum Catalan companies are experiencing thanks to their commitment to innovation and sustainability, priorities that BBVA shares and that must be fostered for future growth."