Poste Italiane aims to increase its stake in Telecom Italia to 25%
Poste Italiane plans to raise its stake in Telecom Italia to 25%, becoming the phone operator's largest shareholder in place of French group Vivendi, according to confidential sources. Poste currently holds around 10% of the capital and is looking to purchase an additional 15% directly from Vivendi, which may retain a residual share. The move forms part of the government’s strategy to create a national telecoms champion. With a market capitalisation of approximately €6.9 billion, Telecom Italia has gained 25% on the stock market since the start of the year. No comments have been issued by Poste, Telecom or Vivendi.
SF Holding turns to air cargo to tackle competition
SF Holding, China’s leading express delivery company, has announced an expansion of its air freight operations in 2025 to strengthen its time-definite services and respond to mounting competition in the sector. The growth will focus particularly on transporting bulky items by air. In 2024, the company recorded a 24% increase in net profit, reaching 10.2 billion yuan, on sales totalling 284 billion. Time-definite services accounted for 43% of revenue. SF Holding also expects benefits from the expansion of the high-speed rail network and from Chinese government subsidies aimed at boosting demand.
New inland terminal project unveiled in Orte
The new inland terminal project in Orte has been officially presented, aiming to transform the area into a nationally significant intermodal logistics hub. Funded with over €8 million from the Development and Cohesion Fund, the project includes 55,000 square metres of paved surface, 1,200 metres of electrified rail track, and four 750-metre tracks built to European standards. The terminal will be directly connected to warehouses and will accommodate European freight trains, offering integrated logistics services.
Montaresi chairs new Espo commission on transport and logistics
The first meeting of the Espo Commission on Intermodality, Transport and Logistics took place on 26 March in Ghent, Belgium, chaired by Federica Montaresi, the sole Italian representative. Appointed in November on the proposal of Assoporti, Montaresi is leading discussions with major European ports including Rotterdam, Hamburg, Barcelona and Antwerp. Key topics include the EU ports strategy, European funding, dual-use infrastructure and the new directive on combined transport. “The foundations for an ambitious and innovative strategy have been laid,” Montaresi said.
Russia and Pakistan to launch direct rail link
Starting in April, Russia and Pakistan will open a direct rail freight link. The initiative aims to boost trade between the two countries and falls within the framework of the International North-South Transport Corridor (Instc). Another rail route between the two nations is also under development.
Wave of fines for hauliers in Hungary
Changes to Hungary’s road toll system, introduced last year, continue to affect transport companies. The new rules classify vehicles according to the number of axles: category J4 for those with four axles, J5 for those with five or more. Initially, errors in axle declarations were not penalised, but in recent weeks many firms have received heavy fines for declaring J4 instead of J5. According to the Polish press, despite the tariff difference being around 40 lei, penalties range from 700 to nearly 3,000 lei.
