UniCredit has always been clear that M&A is a strategic tool for the bank.
It is the role of the dedicated M&A team within the bank to look at all options, both within and potentially outside its current geographic mix.
This at any one time will involve discussions with, and assessment and analysis of the target in question, none of which is indicative of the likelihood of a transaction taking place.
The decision whether to proceed or not with any merger or acquisition is based solely on the ability of said target to not only fit with UniCredit strategy but also to fulfill our stated financial returns metrics.
In this context, the recent rumours and constant noise with regards to the MPS stake are speculative in nature and unjustified, as is the speculation regarding the alleged interest in purchasing other stakes.
It is disappointing that once again we are having to address unfounded rumours, that are now pure invention and serve no purpose other than to create noise and cause distortion in the market.
Milan, 15 January 2026
Contacts:
Media Relations e-mail: MediaRelations@unicredit.eu
Investor Relations e-mail: InvestorRelations@unicredit.eu