[Blick reported that several large banks have expressed interest in merging with UBS] On September 28, Swiss tabloid Blick quoted "well-informed insiders" as reporting that a number of large international banks have sent signals to UBS expressing interest in a potential merger. Citing an unnamed source, Blick reported that at least eight global financial institutions have told UBS they are open to negotiations. Blick did not say when the announcements were made or which banks had expressed interest. A UBS spokesman said the bank did not comment on "speculation and opinions on this matter." A majority of Swiss lawmakers in the upper house of parliament voted this month in favor of a plan that would force UBS, the country's largest bank, to hold more equity capital in its overseas subsidiaries.