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05.09.2023
Italy's Decree Spurs Telecom Italia's Bond Spread Movement
Italy's Decree Spurs Telecom Italia's Bond Spread Movement
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The Z-spread for Telecom Italia SpA's bond TITIM 2.75 15-Apr-2025 (XS1982819994) experienced a decrease of 60 basis points due to Italy's approval of a decree that empowers the state to acquire a stake in Telecom Italia SpA's network business.

Telecom Italia SpA's XS1982819994 has witnessed a notable shift in its Z-spread, decreasing by 60 basis points over the month.

The Z-spread for the TITIM bond (XS1982819994), with a 2.75% coupon, due on April 15, 2025, in Euros.

The primary reason for the tightening of the bond's Z-spread is Italy's decision to empower the state to acquire a stake in Telecom Italia SpA's network business. This decision stems from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government's efforts to exercise greater control over strategically significant assets within the country. The decree gives cabinet backing to an agreement between Italy and US private equity firm KKR & Co., aimed at jointly controlling the carrier's grid. This partnership allows Italy to acquire up to 20% of the network business, a move that aligns with Meloni's vision of safeguarding strategic control over the telecom network and preserving jobs.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her vision of assuming strategic control over the telecom network and safeguarding jobs. She emphasized that this step is just the beginning, with more market-driven decisions to follow. KKR had previously signed a preliminary agreement to include the government in its €23 billion bid for the network, a move aimed at reducing Telecom Italia's substantial debt, which exceeds €30 billion. Italy's government has allocated up to €2.2 billion for this deal, with the possibility of involvement from state lender Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, subject to antitrust limits.

This development marks a significant shift in the long-standing debate over how and for how much to sell Telecom Italia's network assets, a contentious issue with the company's largest shareholder, France's Vivendi SE. Analysts believe that the strong political support from the government increases the likelihood of the transaction materializing, offering a potential solution to Telecom Italia's debt challenges.

Credit rating agencies have yet to react to the present situation. Telecom Italia currently holds a 'B+' rating from S&P.

About Telecom Italia

Telecom Italia SpA provides telecommunication, Internet, digital content, and cloud services. It operates through three segments: Domestic, Brazil, and Other Operations. The Domestic segment covers voice and data services in Italy, international wholesale via Telecom Italia Sparkle, and IT products through the Olivetti group. The Brazil segment handles mobile and fixed telecom operations in Brazil. Other Operations include financial and minor companies. Founded in 1994, the company is headquartered in Rome, Italy.

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