Deutsche Bank AG Inc. (NYSE:DB) shares are trading lower on Monday. A new Bloomberg report suggests a shareholder is preparing to sell 16 million shares, valued at approximately $279 million, of the German lender. Here's what you need to know.

What To Know: According to Bloomberg, a single shareholder is offering to sell around 16 million shares, which is expected to price at 16.01 euros ($17.46) per share. The transaction could generate roughly 256 million euros ($279 million) in gross proceeds for the seller. The deal is being arranged by Goldman Sachs, though Deutsche Bank has declined to comment.

This development comes amid a broader trend of sell-offs in European companies, as stockholders aim to capitalize on high stock prices. Since early September, nearly $11 billion worth of deals have been priced, with banking institutions like Commerzbank, National Bank of Greece and Santander Bank Polska also seeing significant shareholder exits.

Why It Matters: The shareholder's decision to sell may suggest an opportunity to lock in profits as the bank's stock price climbs. This sale occurs just ahead of the bank's third-quarter earnings release, scheduled for Oct. 23, before the market opens. Analysts expect the bank to report estimated earnings per share of 58 cents and revenue of $7.820 billion.

DB Price Action: Deutsche Bank shares were down by 1.80% at $17.44 at the time of writing, according to Benzinga Pro.

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