German Bank Stays Independent, Pushes Back on UniCredit Bid

The German government has officially declined the offer from Italy’s UniCredit to take over Commerzbank. Commerzbank, a key lender in Germany, is currently under pressure from UniCredit as the offer deadline nears. The German state owns a 12 % share in Commerzbank, a stake it gained after the 2008 financial crisis. Berlin has long opposed UniCredit’s takeover plans, saying that accepting the deal would not provide a fair premium for Commerzbank shareholders. The government also stressed the bank’s vital role in supporting medium‑sized companies and maintaining Frankfurt’s status as a financial center. It argued that preserving Commerzbank’s independence is essential for the future of Germany’s banking sector.In parallel, Frankfurt prosecutors announced they had started a preliminary inquiry into possible market manipulation linked to the takeover offer. The investigation was triggered by a complaint from Commerzbank’s workers council, which filed the allegation with authorities on Sunday. UniCredit responded by acknowledging the complaint and stating that the prosecutors’ actions followed standard procedure for such cases. The unfolding situation highlights the tension between national interests and international banking ambitions, raising questions about how governments protect domestic institutions while navigating global financial dynamics. As the offer period winds down, both parties remain firm in their positions, and the outcome will shape Germany’s banking landscape for years to come.