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German financing minister tells Italy of his concerns on UniCredit move, sources say

Germany's finance minister has actually communicated to Italy's Treasury his issues about any takeover of Commerzbank by Italian loan provider UniCredit, two individuals familiar with the matter said, as Berlin seeks to stop a hostile offer.

Christian Lindner outlined his position to the Treasury - Italy's economy and financing ministry, led by Giancarlo Giorgetti - in tandem with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's public criticism this week of UniCredit's move to become the greatest financier in its German rival.

Berlin is seeking to put the brakes on a takeover of a bank main to funding the medium-sized companies that are the foundation of the German economy.

The political pressure follows UniCredit's transfer to take control of about a fifth of Commerzbank's shares, paving the way for a possible takeover quote.

Talks about a potential tie-up started on Friday.

Although Germany's union is divided on a number of concerns, UniCredit's proceed Commerzbank has brought a rare moment of unity, amidst a public outcry from workers, and resistance from trade unions and the bank's management.

While Lindner, of the pro-free market FDP party, has publicly been more ambivalent than Scholz, his finance ministry is equally frustrated by what authorities deem aggressive behaviour by UniCredit.

Germany's financing ministry and Italy's Treasury declined to comment.

Earlier today, Scholz described the relocation by UniCredit as an unfriendly attack.

Scholz is being advised by trade unions, generally influential with his Social Democrat party, to take a tough stance to safeguard personnel against layoffs, individuals familiar with the matter stated.

Lindner, whose liberal party was trounced in recent local elections and is dealing with a national loss of support, is also sensitive to any fallout from the deal.

Opposition political leaders blame his ministry for what they said was a botched sale of part of the government's stake in Commerzbank that unlocked to UniCredit's surprise relocation. Lindner has actually declined this criticism, firmly insisting the government can not victimize any purchaser.

Nevertheless, there is disappointment with UniCredit for its actions, seen by the ministry as a quote to outmatch any other prospective purchasers, stated someone with direct knowledge of the matter.

While some senior lawmakers in Lindner's FDP party privately feel the federal government should leave financiers to evaluate the offer's. merits, the individual said, authorities deem UniCredit's technique to. be aggressive and see a hostile takeover as a possible hazard to. Germany's monetary stability.

UniCredit CEO Andrea Orcel has actually recommended he could leave. from any offer if it is not desired.

(source: Reuters)