PKO Bank Polski SA would be interested in takeovers in the Czech Republic if one of the large local players were to leave the market, Puls Biznesu reported May 30, citing the lender's CEO Zbigniew Jagiello.

He reportedly said the Czech Republic is interesting for the lender due to the significant presence of Polish companies there. However, the bank generally adopts a cautious attitude toward M&A deals abroad and does not have the funds for takeovers of large financial institutions, he added, according to the report.

As far as the domestic market is concerned, PKO is concentrating on digital transformation and is satisfied with its current market share, but could be interested in M&A opportunities in the asset management, leasing, payment card and factoring segments, Jagiello reportedly noted.

He also said that Bank Pocztowy SA, in which PKO holds a 25% stake, is not a strategic asset for PKO, so it could divest its stake, although no steps have been taken that would lead to a potential sale, Puls Biznesu said.