The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday, March 22, edition that Royal Bank of Canada is planning to turn its soon-to-be-acquired HSBC Bank Canada properties into RBC locations immediately after taking ownership. A Canadian Press dispatch to The Globe reports that RBC will convert HSBC branches and offices on March 28, if the $13.5-billion takeover deal closes. Branches and offices being converted into RBC locations will reopen on April 1. RBC was mum on whether any HSBC branches or offices would be permanently closed. The brick-and-mortar transformation that will take shape at HSBC is one of the earliest manifestations of the expansion of RBC's empire. RBC announced plans to purchase HSBC Bank Canada in November, 2022. At the time, HSBC had about 800,000 clients, 130 branches, 4,200 employees and 2-per-cent market share. It also counted $130-billion in assets, making it the seventh largest bank in the country. Despite being a minor player in comparison to some of the larger banks, experts predicted the deal could have a negative impact on consumer choice because HSBC often undercut its rivals on borrowing costs.