Deal for PBCom stake done by Q1.

Byline: Louella D. Desiderio

The new owners of the Philippine Bank of Communications (PBCom) are expected to be known in the early part of 2010 with the bank still evaluating potential investors.

PBCom President Roman Anthony V. Azanza, Jr., said last week the bank was still evaluating the groups which had expressed interest. "Expect the decision early first quarter next year," he said.

Earlier, state deposit insurer the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. President Jose C. Nograles said a deal for the controlling stake of the bank could be made by yearend as PBCom's contract with …