Germany reportedly trying to find a white knight for Deutsche Bank to counter the acquisition of Commerzbank.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Germany has approached some European banks to inquire if they are willing to help Deutsche Bank resist a takeover bid by Italy's UniCredit earlier this year. The sources, who requested anonymity, said German officials had informally contacted the banks to discuss the possibility of introducing new strategic investors to buy shares or even take over the Frankfurt-based bank. These talks are still in a very preliminary stage. This shows Berlin's efforts to maintain the independence of Deutsche Bank, while also highlighting the limitations it faces in resisting UniCredit. A spokesperson for the German Finance Ministry declined to comment.