In Italy, BMPS - BANCA MONTE DEI PASCHI has taken a 100% stake in STEINHAUSLIN, Florentine institution so far conmtrolled by BAM - BANCA AGRICOLA MANTOVANA for 160 bn lira. BMPS, which controls BAM, has moreover taken a 20% stake in FINSOE, holding company which controls UNIPOL, for 306 bn lira (1,350 lira share). This latter operation will enable BMPS to increase its stake in UNIPOL to 25.6%.