Story perspectives

UniCredit to buy Commerzbank stake, targets €1.3B cuts

8/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Officials discuss selling the 12.7% Commerzbank stake to UniCredit, raising UniCredit’s holding to over 60%.
UniCredit chief executive Andrea Orcel would become the dominant shareholder of Commerzbank.
UniCredit aims to cut Commerzbank’s cost base by €1.3 billion through shared functions and fewer layers.
A final authorisation decision is expected between September and October.
Jens Weidmann says he is ready for dialogue after August talks between Orcel and CEO Bettina Orlopp.

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Story summary

Officials discuss selling the 12.7% Commerzbank stake to UniCredit, raising UniCredit’s holding to over 60%.
UniCredit chief executive Andrea Orcel would become the dominant shareholder of Commerzbank.
UniCredit aims to cut Commerzbank’s cost base by €1.3 billion through shared functions and fewer layers.
A final authorisation decision is expected between September and October.
Jens Weidmann says he is ready for dialogue after August talks between Orcel and CEO Bettina Orlopp.