Commerzbank-UniCredit Takeover Fight Moves to Brussels as German Resistance Draws ECB Fire
UniCredit CEO Andrea Orcel heads to Brussels on Monday, where he’ll meet EU competition chief Teresa Ribera and Financial Services Commissioner Maria Luisa Albuquerque—another move as his Commerzbank push pulls Germany’s second-largest listed lender further into the political arena. Timing is key here. Commerzbank recently announced stricter stand-alone goals and additional layoffs—moves aimed at persuading investors it’s better off solo. Yet, EU authorities continue to push for bigger cross-border lenders, even as some national governments remain open to strategic partnerships.