Commerzbank has not engaged in discussions with UniCredit since the Italian lender received approval from the European Central Bank to acquire a stake of just under 30%, according to Commerzbank CEO Bettina Orlopp.
Orlopp noted that the banks exchanged ideas during an investor meeting following Commerzbank's capital markets day in February.
Recently, UniCredit announced that the ECB had permitted it to buy up to 29.9% of Commerzbank, although it is expected to wait until next year to decide on a potential full takeover.
When asked at a financial conference organized by Morgan Stanley if she had communicated with UniCredit since the ECB's approval, Orlopp responded, "No."
She clarified that the meeting with UniCredit after the capital markets day, held on February 13, was purely an investor-focused gathering.
Orlopp emphasized her commitment to Commerzbank's standalone strategy but expressed openness to considering any compelling proposals for a potential combination.