RAI Way and EI Towers: Initiating Merger Analyses

Deal News | Dec 19, 2024 | F2I-Fondi Italiani Per le Infr

RAI, F2i, and MFE, significant players in the Italian broadcasting infrastructure and finance sectors, have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore a potential merger between RAI Way and EI Towers. This potential merger, as specified under a new decree by the Prime Minister, involves a comprehensive preliminary analysis focusing on the industrial aspects. The agreed MoU establishes an exclusivity period until September 2025 and includes provisions for the potential merger to evade the requirement of making a public tender offer, hinting at strategic structuring to meet regulatory exemptions. The process is contingent upon thorough due diligence, successful negotiation and signing of binding agreements, and securing necessary regulatory clearances. The combined entity would remain publicly listed, reflecting a strategic alignment of the involved parties' interests toward enhancing operational synergies across the Italian broadcasting landscape.

Sectors

  • Broadcasting and Media Infrastructure
  • Private Equity and Corporate Finance

Geography

  • Italy – All entities involved in the potential merger are Italian-based, reflecting the national focus of the agreement and its regulatory and market implications in Italy.

Industry

  • Broadcasting and Media Infrastructure – The potential merger of RAI Way and EI Towers is directly related to the broadcasting and media infrastructure industry, focusing on enhancing synergies and operational efficiencies within the sector.
  • Private Equity and Corporate Finance – Involvement of F2i-Fondi Italiani Per le Infrastrutture, a private equity firm, signifies the corporate finance and investment aspect of this potential transaction, indicating strategic financial interests.

Financials

  • N/A – The financial terms of the potential transaction have not been disclosed as parties are in the initial stage of analysis.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
RAIParty to the MoU for potential mergerCompanyRAI is Italy's national public broadcasting company, participating as a key stakeholder in exploring the merger.
F2i-Fondi Italiani Per le InfrastrutturePrivate Equity Firm involved in the potential mergerCompanyF2i is a major Italian infrastructure fund playing an instrumental role in evaluating the proposed merger.
MFE - MediaForEuropeParty to the MoU for potential mergerCompanyMFE is a European media and communications company involved in the preliminary analyses of the merger.
RAI WayTarget Company for the potential mergerCompanyRAI Way is a key broadcast infrastructure provider in Italy, identified as a target in the proposed merger.
EI TowersTarget Company for the potential mergerCompanyEI Towers is another major broadcasting tower company in Italy, considered for merger with RAI Way.