Rai Way, EI Towers shareholders set to extend tie-up talks, say sources

Shareholders of Italian broadcasting tower operators Rai Way RWAY and EI Towers are set to extend discussions over a potential merger beyond an existing September 30 exclusivity deadline, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

A tie-up between Milan-listed Rai Way RWAY, controlled by public broadcaster RAI, and EI Towers, which is owned by Italian infrastructure fund F2i and Italy's top commercial broadcaster MFE-MediaForEurope MFEA would create a national champion in the sector.

The talks stem from a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in December 2024 and expiring at the end of September.

The sources said on Tuesday that state-owned RAI needs more time to assess a potential deal and parties are now discussing an extension of the MoU ranging from three to six months.

RAI, F2i, MFE all declined to comment.