March 31 (Reuters) - HSBC Holdings Plc said anagreement to sell its banking business in Uruguay to Banco GNBSudameris had ended.
HSBC, Europe's biggest bank by market capitalisation, didnot give a reason for the agreement falling through, but said onMonday that it was exploring alternative options for a sale ofthe business.
HSBC struck a deal in 2012 to sell its operations inColombia, Uruguay, Peru and Paraguay for $400 million to BancoGNB Sudameris.
The European bank has been quitting smaller markets andbusinesses to cut costs and streamline operations. (Reporting by Karen Rebelo in Bangalore; Editing by KirtiPandey)