FRANKFURT, Germany, Aug 6, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Germany's Commerzbank said Thursday that its net profit nearly doubled in the second quarter, as its Italian rival UniCredit nears the possible completion of its hostile takeover.

Net profit came in at 898 million euros ($1.03 billion) in the three months to end-June, up from 462 million euros a year earlier.

For the first half of the year, profit reached a record 1.8 billion euros.

Commission income -- fees from providing services like accounts or brokerage -- rose, Commerzbank said, while income from interest was stable.

The results come as the battle for control of Commerzbank heats up.

UniCredit has pursued Commerzbank for the past two years, causing alarm in Germany where the bank is dear to many thanks to its reputation for financing small and midsize industrial companies.

Commerzbank has cut thousands of jobs in a bid to boost its profit and hence share price, making any potential takeover more expensive.

UniCredit has nevertheless continued to build up its stake and now holds almost 48 percent of Germany's second-largest lender.

Commerzbank CEO Bettina Orlopp said both banks had a shared "responsibility".

"Even when UniCredit holds a majority at the next annual general meeting, it cannot unilaterally decide on fundamental structural measures," she said in a statement.

"It requires a shared understanding of the business model and the involvement of all stakeholders."

Berlin, which holds a 12 percent stake in Commerzbank, has fiercely opposed any takeover and unions have also come out against the move, fearing it would mean job cuts.

Commerzbank confirmed its guidance of earning at least 3.4 billion euros for the year, up from 2.6 billion euros in 2025.