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[BUSINESS] · Italy · 21 sources

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Monte dei Paschi di Siena launches defensive takeover bids for Banco BPM and Banca Generali

Monte dei Paschi di Siena (MPS) CEO Luigi Lovaglio has launched a defensive strategy to counter a takeover bid from Intesa Sanpaolo. The plan involves dual exchange offers to acquire Banco BPM and Banca Generali, a move valued at approximately 34 billion euros. Lovaglio describes the plan as a vision for growth to create a diversified financial group, while critics and the Financial Times have characterized it as a risky or even “fanciful” maneuver.

Banco BPM's board has unanimously rejected the MPS proposal, stating it was neither solicited nor previously agreed upon. The board further noted that the offer is structurally an acquisition rather than a merger and provides no premium to Banco BPM shareholders. Crédit Agricole, which holds a 29.3% stake in Banco BPM, is reportedly aligned with this rejection.

In response to these developments, Intesa Sanpaolo has filed a complaint with Consob, alleging that MPS may be violating the “passivity rule,” which prevents target companies from taking defensive actions to thwart a takeover. Meanwhile, Italian political leaders and Tuscan regional authorities are calling on the government to consider using “Golden Power” to protect the integrity and territorial roots of MPS.

Entities

Banco BPM · Credit Agricole · Giancarlo Giorgetti · Intesa Sanpaolo · Luigi Lovaglio · Monte dei Paschi di Siena

Claims

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Sources

Il coro stonato [pierluigipiccini.it]