Hibernia sees merger targets in Louisiana.

NEW ORLEANS - Hibernia Corp. will continue pursuing merger opportunities, Stephen A. Hansel, president and CEO of Hibernia Corp. and Hibernia National Bank, told financial analysts at a meeting Tuesday.

Speaking to the New Orleans Chapter of the Financial Analysts Society, Mr. Hansel said the fragmented makeup of Louisiana banking is presenting attractive opportunities for Hibernia to build market share as the industry consolidates over the next three to five years.

Like most of the country, Louisiana continues to be "over-banked," Mr. Hansel said.

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