Norwegian central bank takes 2.1% of MPS

(ANSA) - Milan, August 21 - Oil-rich Norway's central bank Norges continued its shopping spree in Italy through the Ferragosto holidays, acquiring a 2.1% stake in the Monte Paschi di Siena bank and a stake in Autogrill roadside restaurants in the wake of its purchase of a share of Unicredit and a 2. 55% stake in the Finmeccanica engineering group at the start of the month.
    The Consob stock exchange commission Friday released figures showed Norges blowing hot and cold on Autogrill with its stake hitting 2,793% on Aug. 14, then dipping to 1.81% Aug. 17 before reaching its current level of 2.751% in the omnipresent chain of eateries.
    The latest stakes add to Norges' extensive portfolio in Italy that includes Intesa San Paolo (2.093%), Banco Popolare (2.167%), Unipol (2.097%), Anima (2.005%), Prysmian (".265%), Popolare Sondrio (2.287%), Enel Green Power (2.04%), Ansaldo Sts (2.042%), Cattolica (2.086%), Diasorin (2.142%), Datalogic (2.45%), Astm (2.038%), Cir (2.094%), Acea (2.02%), Vittoria Assicurazioni (3.26%), Iren (2.02%), Interpump (2.46%), Sesa (2.35%) and Basic Net (4.993%) in addition to significant shares in Fiat and Telecom Italia.