MOSCOW, April 19 - French finance group BNP Paribas has secured all the necessary permits and closed a deal for the acquisition of a controlling stake in Ukrainian-based UkrSibbank, the group reported.

"Following the granting of all required regulatory approvals, BNP Paribas has acquired 51% of UkrSibbank in Ukraine," the group said. "The existing shareholders [UkrSibbank President Alexander Yaroslavsky and Vice-President Ernest Galiyev] have entered into a long-term agreement with BNP Paribas. They will remain 49% shareholders in UkrSibbank."