European takeover battle hots up with UniCredit’s ‘unfriendly attack’ on Commerzbank

Milan-based bank plans to up its near-30% stake in German lender to trigger formal talks despite strong opposition from Berlin

Two European banking powerhouses have become embroiled in a €35bn (£30bn) takeover battle after Italy’s UniCredit stepped up its long-running pursuit of German lender Commerzbank, despite strong opposition from the German government.

UniCredit first took a stake of 9% in Commerzbank in September 2024 and has since built up its holding to just under 30%. It said on Monday it was pushing to increase that holding further and push the rival lender into formal merger talks.

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Pope Leo asks media to show suffering of war, not amplify ‘propaganda’ – Reuters

  1. Pope Leo asks media to show suffering of war, not amplify 'propaganda'  Reuters
  2. To criticize an American-led war, an American pope turns to allies  The Washington Post
  3. Pope Leo urges war leaders to halt fighting after deadly strike on school sparks outrage  Fox News
  4. Pope questions Christians’ role in wars, implies need for confession  EWTN News
  5. Pope urges ceasefire in Middle East  EWTN News
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Africa particularly vulnerable as Iran conflict disrupts supply chains, say experts

Food production in many African countries depends heavily on fertiliser imported from the Gulf through the strait of Hormuz

Countries in Africa, where farmers depend heavily on imported fertiliser and a large share of household income goes on food, are particularly vulnerable to supply chain disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East, experts have said.

The conflict has drastically disrupted trade through the strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane not just for oil and gas but also for fertiliser, which is produced in vast quantities in the Gulf.

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