UniCredit secures 47.6% of Commerzbank after buyout offer extension
UniCredit's Acquisition of Commerzbank: Key Developments
Background and Timeline of the Takeover
MILAN, July 8 (Reuters) - UniCredit has secured 47.6% of Germany's Commerzbank, Italy's second-biggest bank said on Wednesday, after a fraught takeover offer ended earlier this month.
Having built a 26.7% stake in the rival since September 2024, UniCredit launched a low-ball tender offer in May.
Intentions Behind the Stake Increase
It said at the time it was not seeking control but wanted to nudge its stake above 30% to be free to then buy more on the market without triggering a mandatory buyout.
Results of the Tender Offer
Take-up of the offer totalled 17.6%, UniCredit said. That is up from 12.5% before a two-week extension of the tender period dictated by German takeover laws.
Additional Stake Acquisition Methods
UniCredit has also previously disclosed a swap contract it can convert into a 3.2% Commerzbank stake.
Reactions and Market Dynamics
Disputes Over Take-up Data
The two banks traded barbs over the take-up data during the offer's main phase, with the German lender saying shares had been tendered mostly by investment banks that were counterparties in swap contracts UniCredit had entered on Commerzbank shares.
Future Engagement and Government Involvement
UniCredit's Statement and German Government's Position
UniCredit said in a statement that it will continue to seek a constructive engagement with all interested parties. The German government, which has rejected UniCredit's approach as hostile, owns around 12% of Commerzbank.
(Reporting by Valentina Za, editing by Cristina Carlevaro and Keith Weir)
