UniCredit has received authorisation from the European Central Bank to cross the 30% equity participation threshold in Commerzbank AG and to increase its stake further without upper limits. The Italian bank announced the decision in a press release issued from Milan on 15 October 2026.
According to mambiznes.pl, the transaction for which UniCredit obtained the ECB's approval is valued at 35 billion euros. Commerzbank, the German bank being acquired by UniCredit, is the owner of mBank.
WHY THE APPROVAL WAS REQUIRED
UniCredit needed the ECB's approval to take delivery of the Commerzbank shares tendered in its offer for the German bank and to advance its plans.
UNICREDIT CALLS THE DECISION A MILESTONE
UniCredit described the ECB's decision as an important milestone in its acquisition of Commerzbank. It said the decision underscores the ECB's positive assessment of the transaction and the confidence in UniCredit's solid fundamentals and strong standing within the European banking sector.
COMMERZBANK'S EARLIER STANCE
Commerzbank had questioned the transaction before the ECB gave its approval. According to mambiznes.pl, the decision appears to have removed all of the German bank's options for blocking the deal.
ROUTE TO COMPLETION
The remaining regulatory processes and conditions needed to complete the offer for Commerzbank are expected around the end of the year, UniCredit said.
At that point UniCredit will hold approximately 50% of Commerzbank's voting rights and will be able to take control of the bank.
Related: UniCredit sought EU antitrust approval for its proposed Commerzbank takeover