UniCredit Stock - Commerzbank stake rises toward 42.5% as takeover push continues

Edited by ad hoc news Long-Term & Business-Model Desk. Verified prior to publication on 06/20/2026, 13:06 UTC. Details in the imprint.

UniCredit (IT0000062072) is pushing ahead with its contested takeover attempt for Commerzbank and has secured almost 40% of the German lender's shares, with derivative exposure taking its stake toward 42.5% according to a recent Handelsblatt report. The second acceptance period for the all-share offer runs until July 3, with the final result expected on July 8.

What the takeover numbers show

According to UniCredit, investors tendered 12.51% of Commerzbank shares into the initial offer period, which ran from May 5 to June 16.A dpa report cited by Süddeutsche Zeitung states that, combined with UniCredit's pre-existing 26.77% direct stake, this lifts its shareholding to about 39.28%.

On top of that, the Milan-based bank controls more than 3% of Commerzbank via options and other financial instruments, bringing its total economic exposure to roughly 42.5%.The Wall Street Journal also reports this 42.5% figure, underscoring how far UniCredit has already advanced in its hostile campaign.

Long-term strategy behind the bid

From a strategic perspective, management presents the Commerzbank bid as a transformative step to build a stronger cross-border banking group centered on Italy and Germany. Scale in corporate and retail banking and deeper access to the German Mittelstand are key arguments.

The deal, if ultimately successful, would increase UniCredit's footprint in Europe's largest economy and enhance fee-generating businesses such as transaction services and asset management. It would also expand its Standard & Poor's 500-peers competitive position in continental Europe, although political resistance in Germany remains significant.

How UniCredit makes its money

UniCredit generates most of its revenue from traditional retail and commercial banking across Italy, Germany and Central and Eastern Europe, complemented by corporate and investment banking activities. Net interest income, fees from payment services and asset management form the core earnings drivers.

Where the stock trades today

UniCredit shares (IT0000062072) trade on Borsa Italiana in Milan at EUR 36.50 as of 06/20/2026, 13:00 CET.

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