RAI prepares to reduce Rai Way holding
JANUARY 19, 2024 12.19 EUROPE/LONDON BY JULIAN CLOVER

RAI is to sell a minority stake in its Rai Way TV tower unit. However, the possibility of a combination with rival EI Towers has not been ruled out.

In a statement, the Italian public broadcaster said it would use the proceeds of the sale to fund a new three-year business plan, which includes additional spending of up to €225 million.

In March 2022, former prime minister Mario Draghi approved a decree allowing RAI to reduce its stake in Rai Way from 65% to 30%.

However, when in December last year when RAI first raised the possibility of a partial sell-off, investment firms Amber Capital and Artemis sent a letter of concern to the RAI board, fearing the scheme would ultimately produce less value than a straight tie-up with El Towers.

The privately held EI Towers is 40%-owned by commercial broadcaster MediaForEurope/Mediaset.