Swedish HQ Bank liquidator says deal close

STOCKHOLM, Sept 1 (Reuters) - The liquidator for Swedish investment bank HQ, (HQ.ST) who is looking for a buyer for the bank after it was closed by the authorities at the weekend, said on Wednesday he was optimistic a deal was close.

The Financial Services Authority cancelled HQ Bank's operating licence on Saturday and then on Monday it was put into forced liquidation. The holding company which owns the bank has appealed to a court against the liquidation decision.

"I consider that an agreement for HQ Bank is close," lawyer Bjorn Riese, appointed as the liquidator, said in a statement. He said negotiations would take place on Wednesday.