15 interested in Telecom Italia Media
June 29, 2012
From Branislav Pekic in Rome
Telecom Italia has received 15 preliminary expressions of interest for its Telecom Italia Media unit.
According to Italian daily “Il Sole 24 Ore”, 60 per cent are foreign groups and investors. Among names being mentioned are Sky Italia, Al Jazeera, Discovery Channel, as well as Italian private equity fund Clessidra.
Meanwhile, Italian multimedia group L’Espresso as well as Tunisian-born businessman Tarak Ben Ammar have excluded their participation.
Telecom Italia is selling a 77 per cent stake in Telecom Italia Media, which owns national broadcasters La7 and MTV Italia, as well as three DTT multiplexes (TI Media Broadcasting).
In a related development, Giovanni Stella has resigned from the posts of executive vice president and CEO of the group, but will remain on as adviser. In view of this move, the Board of Directors has given president Severino Salvemini responsibility for the strategic management and overall governance of the Telecom Italia Media Group.