TIM will remain a stand-alone group after Poste Italiane takes over the Italian telecommunications group, Matteo Del Fante, the CEO of the State-controlled postal company, said on Monday.
    Poste Italiane said Sunday that it was launching a 10.8-billion-euro cash‑and‑share takeover bid for TIM.
    The postal company, which has strong banking, insurance and financial services arms as well as energy and broadband activities, was already the former phone monopoly's biggest shareholder with a stake of around 25% after acquiring 15% of it from French group Vivendi last year.
    "TIM will remain a stand-alone group and its iconic brand will be protected," Del Fante told analysts.
    Poste Italiane Finance Director Camillo Greco said the takeover bid will probably be launched in July.

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