Unicredit may increase Commerzbank shares to almost 30 percent

UniCredit: Cartel office allows the shares in Commerzbank

The major Italian bank Unicredit has received permission from the Bonn competition authority to significantly expand its investments in Commerzbank. This step allows Unicredit acquire up to 29.99 percent of the shares in Deutsche Bank. The approval of the Federal Cartel Office underlines the assessment that the two banks continue to compete with each other in all relevant business areas, which does not cause a takeover from a competitive perspective.

In addition to the approval of the Federal Cartel Office, the European Central Bank had previously given the green light. The acquisition of shares at Commerzbank is a strategic step for Unicredit because the bank wants to strengthen its position in the German market. Unicredit is currently holding 9.5 percent of the shares in Commerzbank and is the second largest shareholder behind the German state.

It should be noted that an acquisition of 30 percent or more UniCredit would oblige to submit a public takeover offer for Commerzbank. This perspective stirs up resistance on the part of Commerzbank, which insists on its independence and defends itself against a complete takeover.

Developments for Commerzbank and Unicredit fall into a time when the European banking sector faces challenges. Tactics for consolidation and strategies for market adjustment are important for many banks in order to remain competitive in the changing economic environment. Unicredit sees a valuable opportunity to expand and strengthen your market position in Germany, one of the largest bank markets in Europe.

The continued discussions and strategic orientations of both credit institutions are closely observed by the financial world. The final decisions and their effects on the market landscape are of great interest for investors and market participants.