UniCredit SpA is planning to meet with French rival Credit Agricole SA in the next few weeks to discuss the Italian bank’s takeover bid for a domestic rival. UniCredit Chief Executive Officer Andrea Orcel is in touch with his French counterpart Philippe Brassac to try and set a meeting before the year ends,

UniCredit CEO Andrea Orcel is planning to meet with Credit Agricole management to discuss the future of the lenders' partnerships after the Italian bank offered to buy rival Banco BPM , one person familiar with the situation told Reuters.

Banco BPM SpA, Italy’s third-largest bank, has rejected a €10 billion ($10.5 billion) takeover bid from UniCredit SpA, which aimed to create the country’s largest banking entity. Banco announced Tuesday that UniCredit’s offer undervalued its financial strength and future growth potential,

UniCredit SpA informed top officials in the Italian government and Banco BPM SpA Chairman about its intention to make a takeover bid for its smaller rival before announcing the move on Monday, people with knowledge of the matter said.