Hana Fin mulls buying Merrill shares from Temasek

SEOUL, Feb 18 (Reuters) - Hana Financial Group (086790.KS: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), South Korea's No. 4 financial services firm, said on Monday it was considering buying shares in Merrill Lynch (MER.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), but nothing in detail on the possible purchase was determined.

"We are still considering it," a Hana spokesman said by telephone. "We should watch the situation for some time."

The comment came after the Maeil Business Newspaper reported that Hana would buy $50 million worth of Merrill Lynch shares through its banking unit, at $50 apiece, from Temasek Holdings [TEM.UL].

Separately a source outside South Korea said Temasek was looking to sell a small stake in Merrill to Hana Financial. No further details were immediately available.

(Reporting by Kim Yeon-hee; Editing by Keiron Henderson)