But when the Department of Trade and Industry ruled against the proposed takeover of Abbey National by Lloyds TSB last year, it signaled an end to large-scale consolidation.

• 但是，去年当贸易和工业部驳回劳埃德一信托储蓄集团接管阿比国家银行的建议时，它就发出了信号：大规模合并活动行将结束。