The Milan-based bank stated it was compelled to set the record straight after what it described as a relentless dissemination of inaccurate information. UniCredit warned that these suggestions were encouraging regulatory and legal investigations intended to derail the acquisition. In a sharp statement, the firm rejected assertions that the number of tendered shares was artificially inflated by borrowing shares back from UniCredit itself, calling such claims false and without foundation.

Faced with these challenges, UniCredit indicated it is now evaluating the most appropriate legal or corporate actions to protect its interests. The standoff underscores the growing friction between the two institutions as the takeover bid faces intense scrutiny from both market participants and regulators.