Deutsche Bank AG is working on an alternative strategy to present to investors should takeover talks with rival Commerzbank AG collapse, according to people familiar with the matter.
Some top shareholders want the bank to prepare options as obstacles to a combination pile up, according to people familiar with the matter. Chief Executive Officer Christian Sewing is considering two basic scenarios: a small update that would mainly consist of more and accelerated cost cuts including at the investment bank, and a bigger strategy shift that would create upfront costs, said one of the people.
