Abu Dhabi's ADIA in Talks to Back KKR’s Bid for Telecom Italia Network

  • Abu Dhabi wealth fund discussing terms of equity investment
  • KKR in exclusive talks over €23 billion deal for network unit

A telephone handset inside Telecom Italia SpA telephone exchange in Rome, Italy.

Photographer: Alessia Pierdomenico/Bloomberg
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Abu Dhabi Investment Authority is discussing joining KKR & Co. on its €23 billion ($25 billion) bid for Telecom Italia SpA’s landline network, people with knowledge of the matter said.

ADIA is in advanced talks to provide equity support for the private equity firm’s bid, according to the people, who asked not to be identified discussing confidential information. ADIA may invest directly in the network or take a stake in the KKR fund that will house the company, they said.