Leading shareholders in INWIT are reportedly arranging financing for a potential take‑private transaction that could reshape Italy’s mobile‑tower landscape. French private‑equity firm Ardian, which holds about 32% of the Milan‑listed company, and Oak Holdings 1, an investment vehicle controlling roughly 39%, are said to be discussing a bid to acquire the remaining minority shares.
Key investors and financing talks
Sources close to the matter say Ardian and Oak Holdings are working with banks to secure the necessary funding. One insider added that Abu Dhabi‑based investment firm Mubadala is expected to take a stake in INWIT as part of the financing package, although Mubadala has not commented publicly.
Background to the deal
INWIT, which went public in Milan in 2015, has been the subject of takeover speculation since a February report suggested Ardian and Brookfield were interested in a privatization. The current interest comes as the tower operator faces a contractual dispute with its two largest customers, Telecom Italia (TIM) and Swisscom’s Fastweb. Both carriers have initiated procedures to terminate their contracts with INWIT, seeking to renegotiate terms they deem more favorable.
Market impact
According to LSEG data, INWIT’s market value has slipped about 27% over the past year, now standing at roughly $7.1 billion (€6.3 billion) at the close of Friday’s trading. The decline reflects both the ongoing customer dispute and broader market pressures on telecom infrastructure assets.
Responses from involved parties
Ardian, GIP, Vodafone, KKR and Mubadala declined to comment on the financing discussions. GIP is a subsidiary of U.S. investment giant BlackRock. An INWIT spokesperson said the company had no information on the reported talks.
What this could mean for Italy’s telecom sector
If the financing is secured and a take‑private bid proceeds, the transaction could consolidate ownership and potentially provide INWIT with the capital needed to resolve its disputes with TIM and Fastweb. A private structure might also give the company greater flexibility to pursue strategic investments in next‑generation tower technology, which is critical as mobile operators roll out 5G networks across Europe.
Stakeholders will be watching closely for any formal announcement, as the outcome could influence the broader European telecom‑infrastructure market and set a precedent for how private‑equity firms engage with strategic assets in the sector.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
