Italy plans to sell remaining stake in Monte dei Paschi di Siena by September

The move would complete the state's exit from the historic lender, potentially clearing the path for a merger with Banco BPM.

By Handelsavisen Newsroom · Automated 2026-08-03 05:31 UTC · 1 min read

Italy is preparing to divest its remaining 4.9% stake in Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena (MPS) before the end of September, according to a report by Bloomberg.

The sale would mark the final chapter in the government's long-standing ownership of the world's oldest bank, which has been under state control since its 2017 bailout.

Bloomberg reported that Banco BPM has proposed a merger of equals with MPS, a move that would significantly reshape the competitive landscape in Italy's financial industry.

The potential exit comes amid growing speculation about a strategic consolidation in the Italian banking sector.

Bloomberg reported that Banco BPM has proposed a merger of equals with MPS, a move that would significantly reshape the competitive landscape in Italy's financial industry.

The proposed union aims to create a larger, more resilient institution capable of competing with pan-European peers.

For investors, the government's decision to sell its remaining shares could remove a significant overhang on MPS stock.