Telecom Italia acknowledged that it has mainatined "preliminary contacts" with the Chinese telephone giant Hutchison Whampoa for possible integration of its Italian subsidiary, 3 Italia, which could mean the entry of that company to the capital of Telecom Italia.
In a report to the securities regulator, Telecom Italia said that the contacts are " in a preliminary stage", so one cannot comment on the process. He also said the issue will be addressed by the Company's Board of Directors on 11 April.
Hutchison Whampoa is present in the mobile phone market through the company 3 Italia, which is now interested Telecom. Hutchinson Whampoa could acquire a 10% stake in Telecom Italia if negotiations to merge its Italian mobile business with Telecom are approved", as reported by the newspaper La Repubblica. However, from Il Sole 24 say that in any case, the rate should not exceed 20%.