Milan, February 13 (LaPresse) – "No, we were too busy finalizing the numbers for the Plan." This was the response of TIM CEO Pietro Labriola during a press conference presenting the Plan update and financial results when asked whether Telecom Italia had engaged in discussions or contacts with Iliad or Poste to explore potential synergies for a possible M&A.
Are Poste and Fastweb alternative options? "I wouldn’t dare to give an answer now; I’d risk being imprecise. Let me complete the roadshows and analyze the Antitrust issues—providing an answer at this stage, in my position, would not be appropriate," Labriola added in response to a journalist’s question about consolidation and whether he sees a merger with Poste or Fastweb as alternative options to one another.
Regarding Vivendi, Labriola emphasized that "looking at the progress of discussions since my appointment, the approach has always been serious and professional, with full respect for their role as shareholders and their legitimate need to protect their investors." He also stated that "in the coming days, we will resume contacts with Vivendi; before now, we couldn’t do so due to disclosure requirements."