PARIS, March 13 (Reuters) - HSBC's Swiss privatebank said a request by a French prosecutor for trial was anormal step in the judicial procedure that did not prejudge theresult of the case.
The French financial prosecutor's office has requested thatthe bank be sent to trial to answer charges over a suspectedtax-dodging scheme for wealthy customers, a judicial source saidearlier on Friday.
"It is a normal step in the judicial procedure and theoutcome of the case is not determined today," a spokesman forthe bank said. (Reporting by Chine Labbe; Writing by Ingrid Melander; Editingby Mark John)