The link between Unicredit and Mediobanca remains strong. Indeed, the goal in the coming years is to strengthen the relationship with Piazzetta Cuccia (of which Unicredit holds 8,6%) and not only in Italy. "We are very happy with the stake in Mediobanca, which is strategic", commented the chairman Giuseppe Vita in a meeting with the press this morning in Piazza Gae Aulenti. "I am sure that our CEO Federico Ghizzoni, with his discreet ways - he said - somehow manages to influence their decisions a little, always respecting the complete autonomy of Mediobanca".
Vita met the press the day after the renewal of the Board of Directors' offices in the shareholders' meeting which took place yesterday in Rome. The next meeting, however, moves to Milan. "It will most likely be held in Milan", said the president who said he was "very happy with the qualitative composition" on the new Board of Directors. It has "decreased in number - he underlined - with a majority of independents (12), 30% of women and international".
Vita then returned to the topic of capital requirements on which, he said, "we are relaxed." The group closed the quarter with profits in line with expectations and revenues better than the consensus, but disappointed the market in terms of asset ratios lower than those of other competitors. “We are relaxed on capital requirements, we will be able to do what the authorities ask of us or even a little more”, Vita said, specifying: “We are already in good shape today, we have 1% more than required”.
Hvb is not an option though. As stated by CEO Federico Ghizzoni during the presentation of the quarterly accounts two days ago, Vita confirmed that there is no plan to sell shares of the German subsidiary. “I answer strictly no,” said Vita. A possible listing is also excluded: "With all the effort made for the delisting, I would say no - he added - if a company earns well, like HVB, we keep the profits".
