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02.10.2023
Telecom Italia Bond Z-Spread Up on Network Sale Uncertainty
Telecom Italia Bond Z-Spread Up on Network Sale Uncertainty
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The Z-spread for Telecom Italia SpA's bond TITIM 3.625 25-May-2026 EUR (XS1419869885) experienced a significant increase of 52 basis points due to the extension of the submission deadline for KKR's offer on the company's fixed-network assets, coupled with the lack of support from top investor Vivendi, creating uncertainty in the market.

Telecom Italia SpA's XS1419869885 has witnessed a notable shift in its Z-spread, increasing by 52 basis points over the week.

The Z-spread for the TITIM bond (XS1419869885), with a 3.625% coupon, due on May 25, 2026, in Euros.

The primary catalyst behind this substantial increase can be attributed to the recent developments surrounding Telecom Italia's network sale. The company extended the deadline for U.S. private-equity group KKR to submit a binding offer for its fixed-network assets, a crucial part of its debt reduction strategy. The initial deadline of September 30th was pushed back to October 15th, following a unanimous decision by Telecom Italia's board.

This extension was granted in response to KKR's request and is seen as a pivotal move for Telecom Italia. In June, Telecom Italia embarked on exclusive negotiations with KKR regarding the sale of its network, a strategic move aimed at alleviating its substantial debt load. During this period, KKR assessed the network's value at a remarkable €23 billion ($25.3 billion), a valuation that significantly surpassed a competing proposal from Italian state lender Cassa Depositi e Prestiti SpA and Macquarie Asset Management. Consequently, in response to KKR's request, Telecom Italia granted an extension, recognizing the potentially pivotal role that KKR's bid could play in the company's financial revitalization. KKR's decision was significantly influenced by its preliminary agreement to allow Italy's Finance Ministry a stake of up to 20% in Telecom Italia's fixed-network unit, with the ministry already holding a 9.8-percent stake through the Italian Caisse des Depots. The absence of crucial backing, particularly from Vivendi, which holds a 23.75 per cent stake in the company and over 17 per cent of its voting rights as the largest single shareholder, has compounded the intricacies of the situation.

Vivendi has expressed strong reservations, demanding a higher price and an extraordinary shareholder vote on any deal related to Telecom Italia's most valuable asset. Telecom Italia has even sought legal advice regarding the approval process for the network sale. While preliminary legal opinions suggest the possibility of board approval without a shareholders' vote, this could potentially lead to a legal dispute.

The company's senior unsecured debt is rated as follows: BB- by Fitch, B+ by S&P, and B1 by Moody's.

The Yield Map for Telecom Italia Euro-denominated bonds as of October 2, 2023:

The Yield Map for Telecom Italia Euro-denominated bonds as of October 2, 2023

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.

This article does not constitute investment advice or personal recommendation. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bondfish does not recommend using the data and information provided as the only basis for making any investment decision. You should not make any investment decisions without first conducting your own research and considering your own financial situation.