RAI plans to sell 15% of tower operator RAI Way

The RAI Board of Directors has approved the sale of 15% in RAI Way, the company that operates the network of broadcasting towers in which the Italian broadcaster has a 65% stake.

With this operation, in which the RAI will retain the majority of the capital, the investment in “the digital transformation of RAI” is ensured, according to the company.

The sale of the stake would not prevent RAI from exploring the possible merger between RAI Way and EI Towers which has been negotiating for months.

EI Towers is 40% owned by MediaForEurope (MFE), controlled by the Berlusconi family, while Italian infrastructure fund F2i owns the remaining 60%.

As for RAI Way, founded in 1999 in Rome, it offers radio and television services, including the distribution of radio and television signals, digital terrestrial and satellite broadcasting services, and solutions for transmission and broadcast networks; transmission services, including audio and video contribution services, and content acquisition, services supporting production activities; tower rental services, such as radio transmitter tower housing, installation and maintenance services; and network services, including consulting and technical support services, frequency coordination services for wireless equipment, services in the field of radiation protection and training courses. Its main clients are broadcasters, telecommunications operators, public administrations and companies.