(see related story)
(ANSA) - ROME, DEC 18 - Vodafone said Monday it is exploring
merger or sale options for its Italian business with several
parties after Iliad group announced that it had submitted a
merger proposal to the London-based telecommunications company
in a deal that values Vodafone Italia at 10.45 billion euro.
"Vodafone is supportive of in-market consolidation in countries
where it is not achieving appropriate returns on invested
capital and confirms it is exploring options with several
parties to achieve this in Italy, including through a merger or
a disposal," the company said in a statement.
Swisscom, which controls Fastweb, is also rumoured to be
interested in Vodafone's Italian business.
Meanwhile, on Monday Vodafone shares rose by 6.6%. (ANSA).