France's Crédit Agricole is reported to be in pole position to buy the Greek government's share in Emporiki Bank, Greece's fourth-largest lender.

Georges Alogoskoufis, minister for the economy, told Greek newspaper Ethnos that Crédit Agricole, which already owns 9% of the Greek bank, was its favourite to buy all or part of its 43% stake, but that rival banks would also be able to pitch for it.