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France 24
France 24
Business
Charles PELLEGRIN

UniCredit closes in on Commerzbank takeover

Commerzbank UniCredit Germany the White House (Organization) Italy Petrol The United States
Cover image: The Commerzbank is pictured in Frankfurt, Germany, Monday, March 16, 2026. © Michael Probst, AP

Italy's second biggest bank, Unicredit, is closing in on a takeover of Germany's second biggest bank Commerzbank after saying it secured 47.6% of the lender's shares on Wednesday. The move is facing widespread opposition in Germany, notably from the federal government, which has a 12% stake in the company. Also, new "freedom fuel" filling stations are appearing across the United States, offering cheaper petrol and receiving strong backing from the White House.

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