Italian banks Banco Popolare and Banca Popolare di Milano are in advanced talks to merge, raising the prospect that a consolidation of Italy’s mutual bank sector urged by regulators for 20 years may finally take place.
Concerns are especially acute regarding Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, Italy’s third-largest bank by assets, and smaller bank Carige, the two worst losers of 2014’s European bank health check which have acknowledged they cannot remain independent. Market regulator Consob banned short selling in both banks this week after sharp share price falls.
Italy’s government set the scene for consolidation of the popolari mutual banks more than a year ago, passing a law which forced the 10 largest banks — with assets worth about €500bn in tangible equity — to convert into joint stock companies by the end of 2016.
Full content: The Wall Street Journal
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
Featured News
EU Extends Support for Farms and Fisheries Amid Market Disruptions
May 5, 2024 by
CPI
Sony and Apollo Bid $26 Billion for Paramount Acquisition
May 5, 2024 by
CPI
Goldman Sachs Resolves Decade-Old Metal-Rigging Class Action Lawsuit
May 5, 2024 by
CPI
Italian Antitrust Ruling Puts Halt on Intesa Sanpaolo’s Fintech Ambitions
May 5, 2024 by
CPI
Google Antitrust Case: Closing Arguments Conclude
May 5, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Economics of Criminal Antitrust
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Navigating Economic Expert Work in Criminal Antitrust Litigation
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
The Increased Importance of Economics in Cartel Cases
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
A Law and Economics Analysis of the Antitrust Treatment of Physician Collective Price Agreements
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Information Exchange In Criminal Antitrust Cases: How Economic Testimony Can Tip The Scales
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI