MPS is racing ahead with the prospect of super coupons and partnership restructuring.

(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Banca MPS continues to gain ground on the Milan Stock Exchange: after a 5.5% gain the day before, Rocca Salimbeni shares are now up nearly 2.5%, benefiting from the prospect of an increase in capital distributions to shareholders and a possible review of distribution alliances.

On the first front, after the acquisition of Mediobanca, MPS has committed to achieving a 100% payout ratio and making it sustainable for the coming years. To make this possible, a bylaw amendment will be required to change the requirement that 25% of profits be allocated to a statutory reserve. The proposal is expected to be approved at the shareholders' meeting this spring.

The Siena-based bank is also preparing to evaluate commercial partnerships. At the top of the list, according to Il Sole 24 Ore , is the bancassurance agreement with AXA, first signed in March 2007 and expiring in 2027. This agreement, the newspaper writes, "most likely will not be renewed," with the aim of "bringing Generali closer." Also under scrutiny are agreements with asset management companies, starting with Anima Holding , which holds approximately €19 billion in assets.