Telecom Italia has received no bids for TIM, chairman says

Telecom Italia Chairman Marco Tronchetti Provera stated during a conference call with market analysts that the company has not received any purchase offers for the business units resulting from its recently announced restructuring. The carrier plans to separate its fixed and mobile operations while focusing on broadband, content, and bundled service offerings.

The strategic overhaul increased market speculation regarding the potential sale of its mobile division. According to international news agencies, Tronchetti noted that the company is seeking a buyer for its operations in Brazil, where market analysts report interest from competitors such as Spain's Telefónica and Germany's T-Mobile.

TIM Brasil holds second place in the local market with a 24.3% market share and 22.3 million lines, representing a 10% increase compared with December 2005. The Brazilian unit posted revenue of BRL 4.64 billion, up 14.8% from the same period of the prior year. Consolidated EBITDA reached BRL 954 million, an increase of BRL 390 million compared with the same period of 2005, while EBIT was negative at BRL 210 million.

At the parent level, Telecom Italia reported overall revenue growth of 5.6% to 15.33 billion euros. Net profit fell 15.6% to 1.4 billion euros. According to a document released to investors, the group aims to increase operational and financial flexibility, comply with regulatory pressures, and expand its international footprint.