Jens Weidmann, supervisory board chairman of Commerzbank, has signaled continued firm resistance to the ongoing takeover bid from Italy’s UniCredit.
Reports from German business media indicate that Weidmann, alongside the bank’s executive management, is maintaining a defensive posture against the Italian group’s acquisition attempt, emphasizing the bank’s strategic autonomy and the support of its major shareholders.
The development underscores the persistent tension in one of Europe’s most closely watched banking mergers.
Commerzbank’s leadership has previously asserted that the bank’s largest investors have maintained their positions rather than selling into the offer, suggesting a united front against the hostile approach.
The German federal government, which holds a significant stake in Commerzbank, has also been aligned with management in resisting the bid, citing national interest and strategic considerations.
UniCredit’s pursuit of Commerzbank has been a protracted campaign, with the Italian lender seeking to consolidate its position in the European banking sector.