The Globe and Mail reports in its Saturday, Dec. 6, edition that Laurentian Bank of Canada is splitting itself up due to intense competition in the retail banking sector. A Canadian Press dispatch to The Globe reports that it plans to transfer its retail and small-and-medium business segments to National Bank of Canada and sell its commercial operations to Fairstone Bank. On an analyst call Friday as the bank reported a drop in fourth quarter profit, chief executive officer Eric Provost said the bank has been doing what it could to at least keep retail deposits stable, but the outlook was not good. He said with the deal in place (though not yet approved) the focus is on keeping customers happy until the transition happens. "Our customers, from a retail standpoint, is our focus, in terms of maintaining level of services, making sure that our people are taken care of, and that we have a clear game plan toward executing our path toward National Bank migration." The bank will also look to keep growing business on the commercial side as it works to close the $1.9-billion sale of the division to Fairstone. Mr. Provost said, "We're still in business, and we want to grow this bank."