Prestigious Milanese bank has become latest pawn in government consolidation efforts
Lenders brushed off concerns about hit from falling interest rates
Two of Italy’s most powerful — and most contrasting — business figures clash over Banca Popolare di Milano
French lender’s stake-building comes in wake of €10.1bn takeover offer from Andrea Orcel’s bank
Italy’s third-largest bank says value of offer is ‘completely unusual’ and fails to reflect its prospects
Two months ago UniCredit swooped on Germany’s Commerzbank. Now the dealmaker is bidding for Banco BPM
Bid for domestic competitor hits shares in Germany’s Commerzbank, which had been viewed as a target
Italian government offloads most of its remaining stake in Monte dei Paschi
Italian bank has made progress streamlining its business — buying rival would add complications
The bank has been building its asset management business and has a large network throughout northern Italy
Apply market rates of provisioning and discounts to book value are not so steep
Final green light to creation of Italy’s third-largest bank by assets
Banca Popolare di Milano and Banco Popolare merger facing opposition by shareholder retirees
Investors buoyed by prospect of government support for the sector after months of uncertainty
A good merger is more than a handshake
More mergers expected after BPM and Banco Popolare agree to €170bn combination
Sign-off from the ECB is needed to allow Renzi to plough on with reforms
FTSE Italia All Share banks index has lost nearly 25% this year
