UniCredit Gave Rome a Heads-Up on Commerzbank €35 Billion Offer

UniCredit SpA representatives briefed Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office in advance of a €35 billion ($40 billion) bid to deepen its influence over Commerzbank AG, according to people familiar with the matter.

The heads-up was a courtesy as Italy’s government has no direct role in such a deal, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing a private matter. Even if Meloni’s government has avoided taking a public stance on the transaction, some officials have seen UniCredit’s move favorably, saying it would help an Italian lender expand abroad and deepen ties with Germany, a priority for Meloni, the people added.