The German state banks : global players in the international financial markets The German state banks or Landesbanks are not only some of the largest banks in Germany but are also a dominant force in the international banking sector. These state owned banks enjoy special privileges and government support which have made them major players in the global arena of banking and finance. Protected by the German taxpayers seemingly bottomless pockets in the form of state warranties Landesbanks are able to take part in financing some of the largest projects in the world. They occupy nearly fifty per cent of the top places in both Moodys and Standard and Poors international rankings. Professor Sinn critically scrutinizes the privileges of the German Landesbanks and questions the justification of government intervention in the banking sector. He predicts that European integration and the introduction of the euro will lead to a fierce take over battle between Europes banks. He argues that given the state warranties it seems likely that the German Landesbanks will be among the winners in this battle and concludes that the German public banking system has grown far larger than is appropriate for a market economy. This timely book addresses issues of concern for European bankers and policymakers alike. It will also be of interest to students and scholars of financial economics European integration and money and banking