# UniCredit Aims to Acquire Commerzbank in Q4 The Italian bank is preparing to take full control of its German rival. - **Source:** [US Top News and Analysis](https://brifing.si/source/635540e9-943e-450d-ae52-ae0bfe3b67eb) - **Published:** 2026-07-23 - **Topic:** [Finance](https://brifing.si/c/finance) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/57c4da98-22d3-4cbd-a059-aa74c4279675 ## Acquisition Process Accelerates UniCredit CEO Andrea Orcel revealed plans to gain full control of Commerzbank by Q4. The Italian bank increased its stake in the German rival to 48%, marking a significant step. Orcel stated they're awaiting regulatory approvals to finalize the takeover. ## Financial Performance and Targets UniCredit reported its best-ever Q2 and H1 results while raising its net profit target above €11 billion. The bank emphasized Commerzbank's strategic value creation potential, though one-off costs from the increased stake impacted quarterly profits. ## German Government's Stance Germany's Finance Ministry urged direct talks between the banks, signaling a softening of its opposition. The government holds a 12% stake in Commerzbank and previously criticized UniCredit's 'aggressive approach' to the acquisition. ## Commerzbank's Resistance Commerzbank management continues resisting takeover attempts, advocating for constructive approaches that create stakeholder value. Union representatives called for 'adult behavior' from both parties amid the escalating corporate battle. ## Europe's Most-Watched Takeover UniCredit's pursuit of Commerzbank has become one of Europe's most closely monitored acquisition battles. The Italian bank grew its stake from 9% in 2024 to 30% by March, intensifying full takeover expectations. ## Strategic Transformation UniCredit now describes its Commerzbank investment as a 'strategic transaction creating industrial value' rather than just a financial play. Significant alignment steps remain before any full merger between the structurally different banks. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/23/unicredit-commerzbank-takeover-acquisition-2q-earnings.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._