Mediobanca SpA’s chief executive officer said a takeover attempt by smaller rival Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena SpA was unsolicited, as the Italian investment bank prepared to respond and possibly defend itself.

Market participants were amazed on Friday to read that Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena was making an unsolicited bid to take over Mediobanca. While financial specialists have reacted with scepticism, the move has been welcomed by some Italian politicians.