Latest News

UniCredit's score may top Italy's if it buys Commerzbank, Moody's states

Moody's would consider hiking UniCredit's credit rating one notch above Italy's sovereign ranking if it bought Commerzbank, depending on a number of factors consisting of an ability to contain execution and functional dangers, the ratings company said.

Italy's UniCredit has developed a near 21% stake in Commerzbank, pending supervisory approval, and says it is eager to check out a complete takeover.

The move has actually bugged Germany's establishment and Commerzbank has stated its strategy is based upon self-reliance. An acquisition would be Europe's first significant cross-border banking deal since the international monetary crisis.

Moody's said it would evaluate whether UniCredit's standalone rating of 'Baa3', currently lined up with Italy's rating, would merit an upgrade to 'Baa2' in case of a deal.

UniCredit's unsecured financial obligation ranking would enhance as a. repercussion, it said.

Any upgrade would rely on the combined group's degree. of worldwide diversity, direct exposure to Italian sovereign. threat, and its post-acquisition capitalization, property threat,. financing and liquidity, Moody's said.

Italy's weak credit standing has actually typically presented a. difficulty to Italian lenders' global growth plans.

Before courting Commerzbank, UniCredit underwent a long. restructuring and generated billions of capital in excess of its. minimum target.

In case of a deal, a stronger footprint in triple-A. ranked Germany, more varied financing channels, and a lower. direct exposures to Italy's financial obligation relative to capital would. loosen up the intrinsic links and correlation between UniCredit's. and Italy's rankings.

We would expect UniCredit's presently very strong. capitalization to be watered down in the event of an acquisition of. Commerzbank, but to remain sound and at least consistent with. management's stated target variety for a minimum CET1 of. 12.5% -13%, Moody's stated, describing a key gauge of capital.

While any acquisition would likely reduce success in. the short-term given restructuring and other expenses, it would in. the medium-term enable higher returns through expense synergies in. Germany and deliver a more powerful combined franchise, it included.

On the other hand, Moody's confirmed UniCredit's rankings with a. stable outlook.

(source: Reuters)