Ahmanson May Become Prey

Now that H.F. Ahmanson & Co. has abandoned its hostile battle to take over Great Western Financial Corp., analysts say Ahmanson may be reversing its role from predator to prey.

“The countdown clock has started on how long Ahmanson remains an independent company here,” said Charlotte Chamberlain, a banking industry analyst at Jefferies & Co.

The likely Ahmanson buyer, some analysts say, is Seattle-based Washington Mutual Inc., which won the duel with Ahmanson for Great Western.

But analysts say any move by Washington Mutual is at least 18 months away.