EU says KKR might have misled it over Telecom Italia deal

Oct 19 (Reuters) - The EU Commission on Monday said US investment firm KKR KKR.N might have provided it incorrect or misleading information over its up to €22 billion ($24.7 billion) acquisition of Telecom Italia's TLIT.MI fixed-line network.

The Commission approved the deal in 2024, but opened an investigation following complaints by other operators in 2025.

They argued that prices for them to access TIM's fixed broadband network had been unilaterally increased after the deal, even though KKR had convinced the Commission that it would not have the power to deteriorate conditions for wholesale access.

The Commission said the new investigation had led to the preliminary view that KKR "at least negligently, submitted incorrect and/or misleading information on the terms of its existing long-term agreements for wholesale access, including on the fact that their existing terms would continue to apply."

It said it had sent these objections to KKR, which would now have the opportunity to respond.

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