German Union's Strong Opposition to UniCredit's Plans for Commerzbank
German union Verdi has declared its firm opposition to a potential tie-up between Commerzbank and its larger Italian rival UniCredit, pledging to fight tooth and nail. Stefan Wittmann, a senior Verdi official and Commerzbank supervisory board member, stated, “We will oppose a potential tie-up in all decision-making bodies and, if necessary, will also organise public protests.” With a 9% stake, UniCredit is making legal preparations to increase its shareholdings. Shares in Commerzbank have surged by 18% on news of this new interest.
Furthermore, Verdi's Frank Werneke is urging the German government to cease any further sales of Commerzbank shares, emphasizing that Finance Minister Christian Lindner must reinforce Germany's status as a strong business locale and block the takeover threat.
Wittmann articulated worries that UniCredit is not an appropriate owner for Commerzbank, as it serves as a vital financial source for Germany’s export industry and its small to medium-sized enterprises, a crucial backbone of the German economy. He noted a shift in decision-making power when UniCredit altered its German subsidiary HypoVereinsbank's legal structure, leading to significant job and branch cuts.
The situation continues to unfold as the finance ministry insists it is operating under economic efficiency principles in its decisions.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.