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Market Chatter: German Officials Open to Commerzbank Stake Sale to UniCredit if Banks Agree Joint Strategy

MT Newswires·08/17/2026 08:19:28
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08:19 AM EDT, 08/17/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Senior officials of the German government reportedly see scope for the government selling its stake in Commerzbank (CBK.F) to UniCredit (UCG.MI) provided the two banks agree on a coordinated approach. Bloomberg News reported Monday, citing unnamed sources, that some officials expect the sale to proceed if the price is right and the Italian lender provides safeguards for the German bank's plans. However, the sources cautioned that this does not represent the German government's formal position. The German government owns a 12.7% stake in Commerzbank. In its early July disclosure, UniCredit said it increased its stake in Commerzbank to 47.59%. German government spokesperson, Commerzbank and UniCredit did not immediately respond to a request for comment from MT Newswires. (Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)