State Bank of India, which has been on the prowl for acquisition in the international arena, has identified the US, Asia and African sector as part of its expansion plan.
The process, which also includes the due diligence procedure, would take around six months to one year, a senior official said.
However, he refused to divulge the name of the entities shortlisted by the bank in these countries.
Currently SBI has a presence in 31 countries through 52 offices and plans to enhance the number to over 65 offices spread over 36 countries by March 2005.
"International operations contribute sizably to SBI's total business," he added.
SBI's international presence is supplemented by a group of overseas and NRI branches in India and correspondent links with over 700 leading banks of the world.
The bank has carved a niche for itself in Europe with branches strategically located in Paris, Frankfurt and Antwerp.