UniCredit has acquired a 9% stake in Commerzbank, including a 4.5% stake previously held by the German government. This move has sparked speculation about a potential takeover, with UniCredit CEO Andrea Orcel indicating that a full takeover is among the options being considered. The acquisition has led to a significant increase in Commerzbank's share price, which surged by 18%. Commerzbank has expressed openness to tie-up talks with UniCredit, though its management is also exploring ways to remain independent. The German government, caught off guard by the move, has paused further sales of Commerzbank shares. The Verdi union has urged the government to prevent UniCredit from acquiring more shares. This development has reignited discussions about the future of German banking and the potential for further consolidation in the European banking sector.