But they are not free to merge. After that, Finance Minister Paul Martin will decide their fate. Observe that a bank is owned by individual shareholders. It hires individuals to run its operations. It must make the offers attractive to win customers from competitors.
Some employees prefer to work for bigger banks with international operations.
Observe that these interests vary and even clash. To hell with the rights of shareholders. Consider the ominous implications. The inevitable result is political chaos and economic ruin. It is in everybody's rational self-interest not to be assaulted , robbed or enslaved, but rather to be left free to produce, trade and enjoy one's existence.