Italy's Intesa SanPaolo confirms examining possible tie-up with Generali

In a statement, the lender said that its management "carefully examines and will examine any possible opportunities to strengthen its positioning and performance... including possible industrial combinations with Assicurazioni Generali."

It was the first comment made by the bank since reports emerged at the weekend that the lender was interested in building a stake in Generali, Italy's biggest insurer.

(Reporting by Giulia Segreti)