Poste Italiane is in advanced discussions with Vivendi to purchase a significant portion of the French company's shares in Telecom Italia, becoming its primary investor, according to sources familiar with the situation. Poste Italiane, a state-controlled entity involved in various sectors such as energy, payments, and telecommunications, acquired a 9.8% stake in TIM in February, taking over from state lender CDP. The sources indicated that Poste Italiane is nearing an agreement with Vivendi to acquire most of its 18.4% stake in TIM, ensuring that Poste Italiane remains below the 25% mark, which would trigger a mandatory offer for the rest of TIM under Italian law. While the deal has not been finalized yet, an announcement is expected soon. Both Vivendi and Poste Italiane declined to provide comments on the matter. TIM, as Italy's former telecommunications monopoly, holds strategic importance on a national level. With TIM's recent separation of its fixed-line infrastructure, the company is anticipated to play a role in the sector's expected consolidation due to slim profit margins hindering necessary investments. Poste Italiane expressed readiness to support TIM during industry consolidation when it initially invested in the company. Poste Italiane is looking to increase its stake in TIM to maintain a significant presence in the event of potential alliances with other telecom companies, as per reports. The Treasury officials have indicated that Poste Italiane is well-positioned to become a key investor in TIM due to its financial and industrial capabilities.