1.   The two banks rank first and second in market capitalization on the SET.

2.   What three banks rank ahead worldwide?

3.   French banks rank third among foreign creditors of Thailand.

4.   In terms of assets, the new bank would rank third behind National Westminster Bank and Barclays in Britain, the Financial Times reported.

5.   The combined bank would rank fourth in California, behind BankAmerica Corp., Wells Fargo and Co. and First Interstate Bancorp.