Italy could take stake in Stellantis after Peugeot-Fiat Chrysler merger

Italy's Deputy Economy Minister Antonio Misiani has indicated that the country might look to take a stake in Stellantis, the new entity resulting from the merger of carmakers Peugeot SA and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, Reuters reported Jan. 6, citing Italian newspaper La Repubblica.

Italy could look for a presence in Stellantis similar to that of the French government, which will hold a 6.2% stake in the company through state-owned bank BPI France. France is currently one of the largest shareholders in Peugeot.

Misiani said Italy has a national interest in Stellantis from an employment and industrial point of view. He also noted that an investment should be subject to certain conditions that "do not exist at the moment." The Reuters report said that any such investment by Italy would be consensus-based.

Peugeot and Fiat Chrysler expect to complete the unification Jan. 16. Shareholders of both companies have already approved the merger, which will create the world's fourth-largest car manufacturer.

Stellantis shares will start trading in Milan and Paris on Jan. 18, and in New York on Jan. 19.