*The initial merger process between Union Bank of India and Bank of India (BoI) seems to have begun, according to sources familiar with the matter.*
*Both banks are currently undertaking due diligence, including internal assessments of processes and operational integration. Some officials said the merger could be completed by the end of the calendar year.*
*PSU bank mergers to create 4-5 lenders, says official*
*_“The government is keen to merge smaller banks with larger ones to create four to five big PSU banks instead of the current 12,”_*
*said a senior banking official aware of the developments, requesting anonymity.*
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