The logo of Monte dei Paschi di Siena bank is seen in a bank entrance in Rome, Italy August 16, 2018. Closer ties could hamper MPS' future search for a merger partner as the state seeks to cut its 64% stake. The banks organising the stock issue, however, have long seen the need for cornerstone investors, sources had previously said. Anima could contribute up to 250 million euros towards MPS' capital raise, when including an upfront payment for the improved partnership terms, a source had previously said. The state is allowed to cover 64% of MPS' capital raise based on the size of the stake it acquired after a 2017 bailout.

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