Italian bank Banca Popolare di Milano (BPM) has proposed a €50 billion merger with Monte dei Paschi, positioning it as a combination of equals. This represents the latest attempt at banking consolidation in Italy.
Banco BPM has made a merger proposal to Monte dei Paschi. If completed, the combined entity would become Italy’s second-largest banking group with a market capitalization exceeding 50 billion euros. Banco BPM characterizes the merger risk as low.
European airlines have failed to pay billions in passenger compensation for flight delays as required under EU261/2004 regulation. Analysis by the Financial Times shows that since 2011, €18 billion in compensation has been due to passengers, but only a small portion has actually been paid, leaving €3.2 billion currently unpaid.
Airbus SE, Leonardo SpA, and Thales SA are forming a satellite joint venture that will serve as a test case for the EU’s newly revamped merger framework, which has been reformed to enable the creation of globally competitive European champions to rival companies like Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
UniCredit, the Milan-based financial institution, has increased its shareholding in Commerzbank to over 34 percent, surpassing an important regulatory threshold in an ongoing takeover battle. Commerzbank has cautioned about the valuation of derivative positions in this context.
STMicroelectronics NV has significantly increased its data center revenue forecast to $1 billion for the year, driven by strong demand for AI infrastructure
Banca Sella has obtained MiCA clearance from Italian regulators to provide cryptocurrency services. The bank intends to offer digital asset custody, transfer, and receipt services beginning in 2026, initially targeting selected customer categories.
Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, an Italian state-backed lender, is increasing its stake in Nexi, a payments group. This move comes as CVC had considered making a €9 billion bid for the Italian payments company.
Spanish dividend-paying stocks Iberdrola and Enagás, along with European companies Munich Re, Axa, Enel, Sanofi and Roche, are highlighted for their resilient and rising dividend payments during uncertain market conditions. These companies are noted for their ability to maintain stable dividend income alongside US company Coca-Cola.