Credit Suisse Chairman António Horta-Osório (Image: Keystone) Wednesday, 12 May 2021 07:00 | Written by Katharina Bart Credit Suisse Parses Options as M&A Looms As its market cap slips below $25 billion, the Swiss bank’s options are shrinking. António Horta-Osório's strategic options inevitably lead to mergers or being acquired – his choice is sooner or later. António Horta-Osório. The Portuguese banking veteran’s dilemma is identifying the most troubled spots and deciding what to salvage – amidst a minefield of domestic economic and political interests. His entrance buys Credit Suisse reprieve before the deal talk begins in earnest. «We will take the time required for an in-depth assessment of the bank’s strategic options,» Horta-Osório told investors ten days ago when he took over. «This will be done with a long-term perspective not losing sight of the short-term needs.»