15:00 - 17.07.2026

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July 17, Fineko/abc.az. The German government has prepared the key conditions for possible negotiations with Italian banking giant UniCredit, regarding the fate of Commerzbank.

As Berlin recognizes the limitations of its ability to block the takeover (UniCredit is expected to receive regulatory approval for a slightly less than 50% stake), the focus of the German authorities has shifted to protecting national interests.

Among Germany's key demands are preservation of Commerzbank's role in financing German small and medium-sized businesses, retention of its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, and continuation of its separate listing on the stock exchange.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that he is generally in favor of the deal, but has expressed disappointment with UniCredit's methods and emphasized the critical importance of Commerzbank for financing the national economy.