Hutch could secure 10% TI stake if merger pans out

Reuters reports that Hong Kong-based Hutchison Whampoa could end up with a 10% stake in Telecom Italia (TI), if talks over a tie-up between Hutchison’s 3 Italia mobile unit and TI come to fruition. Late last week TI confirmed that it was in contact with the Hong Kong conglomerate regarding a possible deal. The matter is set for discussion at Telecom’s next board meeting on 11 April. Last week it was revealed that Hutch is working with Goldman Sachs to examine the possibility of merging 3 with TI’s Telecom Italia Mobile (TIM) unit.