Unipol Chair Suggests ING May Be Considering Bid for Popolare di Sondrio

Unipol Chairman Carlo Cimbri revealed that a foreign bank is exploring a potential bid for Popolare di Sondrio in competition with the offer put forward by BPER Banca.

As the primary shareholder in both BPER and Pop Sondrio, Unipol has expressed its support for BPER's acquisition attempt. During the presentation of Unipol's multi-year plan, Cimbri suggested that Dutch bank ING might be a contender for Pop Sondrio, alluding to the bank's color being similar to that of a journalist's orange tie.

While ING has not yet commented on the situation, Cimbri indicated that Unipol would be willing to consider alternative bids for Pop Sondrio. Addressing speculations surrounding foreign interest, he noted that it appears a foreign group has engaged legal and advisory teams to explore a deal for Popolare di Sondrio, which he deemed entirely legitimate.

Cimbri emphasized Unipol's commitment to its interests, stating, "We don't have eternal friends or eternal foes, only our interests are eternal: we're open to any proposition."