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Poste falls short of Telecom Italia delisting threshold after takeover bid - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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Poste falls short of Telecom Italia delisting threshold after takeover bid

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on September 25, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: September 25, 2026

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Poste Italiane's Takeover of Telecom Italia Falls Short of Delisting Mark

Poste Italiane's Acquisition Efforts and Market Impact

Takeover Bid Results

MILAN, Sept 25 (Reuters) - Poste Italiane has secured 85.82% of Telecom Italia (TIM) after increasing the price of its takeover bid and reopening it, Reuters calculations based on stock exchange data showed on Friday.

The take-up falls short of the 90% ownership threshold that would have allowed Poste to take TIM private, meaning the national post office would need to find other ways to delist it if they stick with their initial goal.

Background of Poste Italiane and TIM

Poste Italiane's Role and Expansion

Poste, which is controlled by the Italian state and operates mail, financial, energy and mobile services, last year became TIM's main shareholder, replacing France's Vivendi. 

Details of the €13 Billion Bid

In March it launched a €13 billion bid to take TIM private as part of a plan to create a national champion in digital infrastructure and services. It has forecast annual pre-tax benefits of €700 million from the deal.

Timeline of the Takeover Process

Main Phase and Price Increase

Poste had secured 66.6% of TIM during the main phase of its bid, which ended on September 11 - four days after a price increase.

Reopening of the Offer

The offer reopened on Monday for a further five days.

Reporting Credits

(Reporting by Elvira Pollina, additional reporting by Alvise Armellini; Editing by Valentina Za)

Key Takeaways

  • Poste’s enhanced bid raised its stake to 85.82%, up from 66.6%, but still below the 90% needed to force TIM’s delisting and trigger a squeeze‑out.
  • The 90% threshold is critical: achieving it would compel remaining shareholders to sell and allow Poste to take TIM private; falling short means alternative delisting routes will be necessary.
  • Poste Italiane, backed by the Italian state, launched the €10.8 billion cash‑and‑stock offer in March aiming to create a national digital champion and forecasted €700 million in annual pre‑tax synergies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much of Telecom Italia does Poste Italiane now own?
Poste Italiane has secured 85.82% of Telecom Italia's shares after its takeover bid.
What threshold is required for Poste to delist Telecom Italia?
A 90% ownership threshold is required to delist Telecom Italia from the stock exchange.
What was the total value of Poste Italiane's bid for Telecom Italia?
Poste Italiane launched a €13 billion bid to take Telecom Italia private.
Why did Poste Italiane want to acquire Telecom Italia?
Poste aimed to create a national champion in digital infrastructure and services with the acquisition.
Who controlled Telecom Italia before Poste Italiane?
France's Vivendi was the main shareholder in Telecom Italia prior to Poste Italiane.

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