Skip Header
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

Vodafone to sell Italian operations to Swisscom for €8bn

(Sharecast News) - Vodafone has confirmed media speculation that it intends to sell its Italian operations to Swiss telecoms group Swisscom for an enterprise value of €8bn. The UK-listed telecoms firm said it had been engaged in talks with several parties to explore market consolidation in Italy, but it was now in "exclusive discussions" with Swisscom.

The move comes after Vodafone confirmed in December that it was looking at options for "in-market consolidation" in Italy - a market where it said it was "not achieving appropriate returns on invested capital".

A deal, which is still subject to confirming binding transaction documentation, will "deliver the best combination of value creation, upfront cash proceeds and transaction certainty for Vodafone shareholders", Vodafone said in a statement on Wednesday.

The €8bn deal, which is on a debt and cash free basis, values Vodafone Italy at 7.6 times estimated EBITDA after leases, and 26 times operating free cash flow.

Vodafone Italy, which accounts for 11% of Vodafone's group services revenues, generated €2.32m in total revenue in the company's first fiscal half ended 30 September.

"There can be no certainty that any transaction will ultimately be agreed. If required, a further announcement will be made when appropriate," the company said.

Share this article

Related Sharecast Articles

Agronomics investee Solar Foods raises EUR 8m
(Sharecast News) - Cellular agriculture investor Agronomics announced on Friday that its portfolio company Solar Foods had raised an additional €8m through Finnish investment organiser Springvest.
Berenberg hikes target price on Greggs
(Sharecast News) - Analysts at Berenberg raised their target price on bakery chain Greggs from 3,550.0p to 3,990.0p on Friday as it noted that customer appeal had broadened as its market share was expanding.
Thousands of UK firms fighting for survival - Begbies Traynor
(Sharecast News) - More than half a million UK business are fighting for survival, according to an industry research published on Friday, weighed down by the weak economy.
Thruvision FY24 adjusted underlying losses widen
(Sharecast News) - Security technology business Thruvision said on Friday that adjusted underlying losses had widened in FY24 as revenues fell.

Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Award-winning online share dealing

Search, compare and select from thousands of shares.

Expert insights into investing your money

Our team of experts explore the world of share dealing.