Market
What will be the outcome of UniCredit's stake in Commerzbank by end of 2024?
3
UniCredit SpA•Commerzbank AG•German•Italian•UniCredit•Commerzbank•Banco BPM•European Central Bank•BCE
Resolution / Starting Odds
Increased stake to 30% without takeover • 25%
Launched a takeover bid • 25%
Reduced stake below 28% • 25%
Maintained stake at 28% • 25%
Financial reports and public announcements from UniCredit
Story
UniCredit Boosts Commerzbank Stake to 28%, Irks German Government Amid BCE Decision
Dec 18, 2024, 09:40 AM
UniCredit SpA has escalated its stake in Commerzbank AG from 21% to approximately 28%, intensifying speculation about a potential takeover of the German bank. The Italian bank's move includes a direct holding of 9.5% and an additional 18.5% through financial derivatives. This increase in stake is part of UniCredit's strategy to reach a 29.9% ownership in Commerzbank, a threshold below which it is not required to launch a mandatory takeover bid under German law. The operation has been met with criticism from the German government, which has described UniCredit's approach as 'unfriendly'. UniCredit has emphasized that its current position in Commerzbank is solely an investment and does not impact its ongoing public exchange offer for Banco BPM. The European Central Bank (BCE) is expected to make a decision on UniCredit's request to increase its stake to nearly 30% by mid-March.
View original story
Similar markets
Stake remains at 28% • 25%
Stake exceeds 29.9% • 25%
Stake increases to 29.9% • 25%
Stake decreases • 25%
No change in leadership • 25%
Major restructuring announced • 25%
Change in board composition • 25%
Change in CEO • 25%
Other • 25%
Becomes largest private bank • 25%
Remains second-largest private bank • 25%
Drops to third-largest • 25%
No • 50%
Yes • 50%
No regulatory action • 25%
Regulatory investigation initiated • 25%
Regulatory restrictions imposed • 25%
Regulatory approval required • 25%
Continued acquisition interest • 25%
No acquisition interest • 25%
Partnership or alliance • 25%
Other developments • 25%
Full takeover of Commerzbank • 25%
Partial merger or partnership • 25%
No significant change • 25%
Stake reduction or divestment • 25%