ECB Clears UniCredit to Raise Commerzbank Stake Above 30%

The ECB has approved UniCredit's request to increase its stake in Commerzbank to 30% and above with no upper limit, removing a key regulatory hurdle for a potential full takeover. UniCredit has been building its position since 2024 and launched a tender offer in May 2026. The approval signals a major step toward cross-border banking consolidation in Europe, though the German government's stance and political opposition remain uncertain.