Banco BPM

The board of Banco BPM confirms receipt of an unsolicited takeover offer from Monte Paschi that provides no premium for Banco BPM shareholders. The offer is based on prices from August 19 and thus roughly corresponds to the market value at that time; the board will review the bid within the deadline and publish its decision. A merger would create a third major bank in Italy and could also influence a potential takeover bid for Monte Paschi by Intesa Sanpaolo. » More on de.investing.com

Monte dei Paschi di Siena (MPS) is preparing, according to a report, two parallel share-exchange offers for Banco BPM and Banca Generali to fend off an unsolicited takeover bid from Intesa. The plan, approved by a majority of the board, aims to form a larger financial group with a combined market capitalization of about €70 billion and includes a cash dividend to secure shareholder support. The transactions are complex and risky because they require the consent and participation of major investors such as Crédit Agricole and Generali and would trigger stricter reviews of related-party deals. The move is in line with the political objective of creating a strong third banking group in Italy alongside Intesa and UniCredit. » More on de.investing.com

Banco BPM posted a record net profit of EUR 1.06bn in the first half and raised its full-year 2026 net profit forecast from EUR 1.9bn to over EUR 1.95bn. The CET1 ratio stands at 14.40%, and the gross NPE ratio fell below 2% for the first time to 1.96%. The bank increased the interim dividend to EUR 0.50 per share and set the target for cumulative shareholder remuneration for 2024–2027 at EUR 7bn. Revenue mix, cost-income ratio (43% in H1) and non-interest income improved significantly through expansion of fee, insurance and asset management businesses. » More on de.investing.com