08:52 AM EDT, 09/19/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Deutsche Bank ( DB ) and Rothschild have been tapped by Credit Agricole to explore options, including a potential merger between its Italian arm and Banco BPM, multiple media outlets reported Friday, citing unnamed sources.

Credit Agricole has a stake of about 20% in Banco BPM, making it the Italian lender's single biggest shareholder, Bloomberg and Reuters reported.

This stake could increase to 35% after a combination of Credit Agricole's Italian arm and Banco BPM, Reuters reported, citing a person briefed on the talks.

Considerations are at early stages, and a decision hasn't been made, Bloomberg reported.

Italian daily Il Messaggero first reported the news, Bloomberg and Reuters said.

Deutsche Bank ( DB ), Rothschild, Credit Agricole, and Banco BPM didn't immediately respond to requests for comment from MT Newswires.