TIM Approves Acquisition Offer by KKR Investment Company

ROME — Italian communications company TIM has announced that its board of directors has approved a binding acquisition offer by the renowned KKR investment company. After months of negotiations, this significant development sets the stage for a transformative deal.

Majority Vote Ensures Approval

The approval by TIM's board took the form of a majority vote, signifying a strong consensus among the company's decision-makers. With this crucial step forward, the deal is expected to reach its closing stage by summer 2024.

Sparkle Offer Rejected

Despite the approval of the binding offer, TIM's board made the decision to reject a non-binding offer for Sparkle, the company's undersea cable unit. While this particular division may not be part of the acquisition deal, it remains an integral part of TIM's operations.

Government's Role as a Significant Shareholder

Under the agreement with KKR, the Italian state will become a significant shareholder in TIM. Reports suggest that the finance ministry will hold approximately a 20% stake, an indication of the government's interest in the company and its future trajectory.

Benefits for TIM and Its Stakeholders

The acquisition deal with KKR is expected to bring multiple benefits to TIM. Notably, it will allow the company to alleviate a significant portion of its debt, which currently amounts to more than 30 billion euros ($31.5 billion). Additionally, streamlining operations may result in a reduction in the number of employees, optimizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

NetCo Valuation

According to a statement from TIM, the binding offer values NetCo — TIM's fixed network assets excluding Sparkle — at a noteworthy 18.8 billion euros (approximately $20 billion). This valuation underscores the strategic importance and value of TIM's fixed network infrastructure.

As this acquisition deal progresses, TIM continues to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing its market position and creating value for its shareholders. The result of this negotiation is poised to have a significant impact on the company's future trajectory and the broader telecommunications landscape in Italy.