The Italian Treasury has denied a report that it is drafting an emergency decree to counter UniCredit’s (OTCPK:UNCFF)(OTCPK:UNCRY) 10B euro ($10.6B) bid for Banco BPM, Reuters reported late Friday. UniCredit made the offer for the smaller rival on Monday,

UniCredit's bid for BPM also throws a spanner in the works for Italy's government, which had advanced plans for a merger of BPM with rival Monte dei Paschi di Siena which it saw as strengthening its banking sector without harming competition.

The Italian lender rejected the surprise offer from its larger rival, saying it undervalues the business and creates uncertainty.

UniCredit SpA has hired Deloitte LLP to advise Italy’s second-biggest bank on its takeover bid for Banco BPM SpA, people familiar with the matter said.

Italy reserves the right to use its golden power legislation aimed at shielding strategic assets in regards to UniCredit's plans to take over Banco BPM , Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said.

"Italy’s UniCredit makes buyout offer for Banco BPM" was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand.

Banco BPM SpA said the takeover bid it has received from UniCredit SpA wasn’t agreed in advance and isn’t in line with its performance.

Banco BPM gathers its board on Tuesday for an initial discussion on the 10 billion euro ($10.5 billion) unsolicited takeover offer that rival UniCredit has launched for Italy's third-largest

The Italian Treasury on Friday denied drafting an emergency decree to counter UniCredit’s takeover bid for smaller rival Banco BPM after the Financial Times reported Rome was considering this option.