The pressing of Marco Patuano, number one of Telecom Italia, on Vincent Bollorè, president of Vivendi, is becoming urgent. The two are meeting today in Paris at a summit originally scheduled for Sunday.
Patuano, accompanied by his advisor Ciigropu and Mediobanca, wants to convince Bollorè that his industrial and strategic alliance proposal in Brazilian furniture between Tim Brasil and Gtv (owned by Vivendi) is more intriguing than the very generous cash purchase offer made by Telefonica for Gtv. The fact that Bollorè has no liquidity problems and is, among other things, vice president of Mediobanca leaves hope open for the largest Italian telecommunications group.
However, Telecom knows very well that the chances of ousting the Spaniards from the heart of Bollorè also pass through the need to strengthen the capital of Tim Brasil to face a very fierce competitive challenge and that for the Patuano group, already burdened with heavy debt, it is not easy to find new financial resources. However, the game is open and many believe that it won't last too long. Already at the end of the month it will be clear which way Bollorè's balance will tip.
