ABN Amro is set to formally resume its €7.6bn ($9bn) takeover bid for Italian Banca Antonveneta after finally securing a 29.9% stake held in the bank by rival Banca Popolare Italiana. The shares had been frozen during investigations by regulators.

ABN launched its original bid for Antonveneta in March last year at €25 per share and then became embroiled in a six-month battle with Pop Italiana for control. ABN raised its bid by €1.50 to €26.5 per share in June, valuing Antonveneta at €7.6bn.