Interviewed by Repubblica on the hot topics of the last week, Jean Pierre Mustier, CEO of Unicredit, spoke across the board regarding the situation of Mps, the imminent capital increase of the group he leads and, lastly, the state of health of Mediobanca.
According to the number one of the Milanese giant, if Mps and other banks go public there would be no negative effects on the next Unicredit capital increase; “The important thing for the Italian economy is to have quality and strong banks, without too many bad credits and with solid assets. […] Whatever solution will be found, I am sure that after Christmas Italy will have stronger banks able to support customer needs”. Mustier also said he was confident in the fate of the Veneto banks (Unicredit through Atlante is a significant shareholder of Vicenza and Veneto Banca).
With regard to the Treasury decree, approved in Parliament On Wednesday morning, Mustier said he was open to "any decision to support the banking system and improve the environment in which it operates".
Speaking of Unicredit and the plan launched last Tuesday, based on a capital increase on the market of 13 billion scheduled for February, the Parisian manager invited shareholders to share theobjective that Unicredit is strong and pan-European. “After the capital increase – declared Mustier – iThe equity center of gravity is likely to be more international, but the same focus will remain”.
On the sidelines of the interview, answering the question relating to the nature of Unicredit's stake in Mediobanca, Mustier was very clear, excluding an exit from Mediobanca but at the same time sending out a strong signal: “(participation) is neither strategic nor financial. We want Mediobanca to improve profitability. We are its largest shareholder and we want it to have the best possible strategy. We consider Mediobanca somewhat our 15th bank: like the others, it must create adequate value”.
