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Investing.com -- UniCredit SpA (BIT:CRDI) has converted a portion of its derivatives-linked exposure to Commerzbank (ETR:CBKG) into actual shares, doubling its equity stake and becoming the German lender’s largest shareholder.
The Italian bank announced late Tuesday that it now holds about 20% of Commerzbank’s shares and effective voting rights, following the conversion of a 10% interest previously held via financial instruments. The move comes after securing approvals from the European Central Bank, Germany’s antitrust authority, and the U.S. Federal Reserve.
Since September, UniCredit has been gradually building its position in Commerzbank, initially disclosing a 9.5% stake acquired through direct share purchases and expressing interest in a potential merger. Over the months, it added derivative positions tied to Commerzbank shares, eventually taking its exposure to around 28%.
The approach has stirred resistance in Germany. Politicians and labor unions have voiced concerns that an eventual takeover could lead to job cuts, shift strategic influence abroad, and reduce lending capacity for small and mid-sized German businesses.
Commerzbank’s management has also pushed back, reaffirming its commitment to remaining independent.
UniCredit already operates in Germany through its subsidiary HypoVereinsbank. CEO Andrea Orcel has previously signaled interest in cross-border deals, aiming to turn UniCredit into a leading European banking group capable of competing with U.S. giants.
Still, he has characterized the Commerzbank stake as a financial investment and left the door open to a potential exit.
With this latest conversion, UniCredit surpasses the German government, which still owns a 12% stake following its bailout of Commerzbank during the financial crisis. The bank said it plans to lift its voting rights to around 29% by converting the rest of its derivative exposure into shares.