Commerzbank Backs UniCredit Merger

Commerzbank expressed strong support for a potential takeover by UniCredit as it reported a 45 percent increase in third-quarter profit. CEO Bettina Orlopp stated the tie-up would create value despite ongoing labor and political tensions.

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FILE PHOTO: Traffic lights glow near a logo of Commerzbank at a branch in Cologne, Germany, March 16, 2026. REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen/File Photo

COMMERZBANK AG said on Thursday that a takeover by UNICREDIT SPA could create value, reporting a 45% profit increase to €859 million ($967.32 million) for the third quarter. The shift follows UniCredit acquiring a nearly 48% stake in Germany's second-largest lender through a hostile approach. Shareholders face ongoing tensions regarding board seats, job security, and valuation before a deal is finalized.