UniCredit SpA has acquired a 9% stake in Commerzbank AG, including a 4.49% stake purchased from the German government for €702 million. The move has sparked speculation about a potential merger, despite the German government's initial reluctance to allow a foreign takeover. German officials were caught off guard by the acquisition, which makes UniCredit one of Commerzbank’s largest shareholders alongside the German state and BlackRock. Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel emphasized the need for robust banks to ensure proper corporate financing, without commenting on the potential merger. UniCredit’s CEO Andrea Orcel stated that the acquisition aligns with their long-term strategy and expressed confidence in Commerzbank’s future value creation. Commerzbank shares surged following the announcement, reflecting market optimism about the deal’s potential benefits.