UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15D-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2003
TELECOM ITALIA S.p.A.
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
CORSO D'ITALIA 41
ROME, ITALY 00198
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files
or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:
FORM 20-F [X] FORM 40-F [ ]
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is submitting the Form 6-K in paper
as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): [ ]
Indicate by check mark if the registrant
is submitting the Form 6-K in paper
as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information
contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing
the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b)
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
YES [ ] NO [X]
If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned
to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- _______
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PRESS RELEASE
TELECOM ITALIA: REFINANCING INSTRUMENTS FOR DEBT
REACHING MATURITY
Euromarket bond issue ceiling of 5.1 billion euros authorized under the Euro Medium Term Note Program. Telecom Italia will guarantee Telecom Italia Capital for potential bond issues in the United States up to a maximum of 5 billion US dollars
Milan, 18 December 2003 – At today’s meeting, chaired by Marco Tronchetti Provera, in implementation of the delegation of powers as per company statutes, the Telecom Italia Board of Directors gave its authorization for non-convertible bond issues up to a total of 5.1 billion euros, to be placed during the course of 2004, as and when market conditions are deemed suitable.
Part of the 10 billion euro Euro Medium Term Note Program approved on 10 October, these issues may be divided into multiple tranches, have maturities of between two and 30 years, and may be issued in more than one currency.
In order to ensure that the Group enjoys the greatest possible flexibility with regard to future refinancing policy, the Telecom Italia Board of Directors additionally authorized a full guarantee to Telecom Italia Capital for potential bond issues in US dollars, to be placed predominantly in the United States of America, up to a maximum of 5 billion US dollars.
A similar guarantee for $4 billion resolved by the Board of Directors on 10 October was utilized wholly in coverage of the issue completed on 29 October.
The purpose of these initiatives is to refinance debt approaching maturity by optimizing costs, diversifying the investor base, and at the same time drawing upon a wider range of instruments. Specific issue decisions regarding the above indicated ceilings and reference markets shall be taken to best serve these objectives.
The securities referred to in this press release have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.
Telecom Italia
Media Relations
Corporate and Wireline Press Office
+39.06.3688.2610
www.telecomitalia.it/stampa_uk
Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the "Safe Harbor" Provision of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Private Securities Litigation reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements. The Press Release included in this Form 6-K contains certain forward looking statements and forecasts reflecting management's current views with respect to certain future events. The ability of the Telecom Italia Group to achieve its projected results is dependant on many factors which are outside of management's control. Actual results may differ materially from those projected or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking information involves risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results and are based on certain key assumptions. The following important factors could cause the Telecom Italia Group's actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied in any forward- looking statements: - the continuing impact of increased competition in a liberalized market, including competition from global and regional alliances formed by other telecommunications operators in the core domestic fixed-line and wireless markets of the Telecom Italia Group; - the ability of the Telecom Italia Group to introduce new services to stimulate increased usage of its fixed and wireless networks to offset declines in its fixed-line business due to the continuing impact of regulatory required price reductions, market share loss and pricing pressures generally; - the ability of the Telecom Italia Group to achieve cost-reduction targets in the time frame established or to continue the process of rationalizing its non-core assets; - the impact of regulatory decisions and changes in the regulatory environment; - the impact of the slowdown in Latin American economies and the slow recovery of economies generally on the international business of the Telecom Italia Group focused on Latin America and on its foreign investments and capital expenditures; - the continuing impact of rapid changes in technologies; - the impact of political and economic developments in Italy and other countries in which the Telecom Italia Group operates; - the impact of fluctuations in currency exchange and interest rates; - Telecom Italia's ability to continue the implementation of its 2002-2004 Industrial Plan, including the rationalization of its corporate structure and the disposition of Telecom Italia's interests in various companies; - the ability of the Telecom Italia Group to successfully achieve its debt reduction targets; - Telecom Italia's ability to successfully roll out its UMTS networks and services and to realize the benefits of its investment in UMTS licenses and related capital expenditures; - Telecom Italia's ability to successfully implement its internet strategy; - the ability of the Telecom Italia Group to achieve the expected return on the significant investments and capital expenditures it has made in Latin America and in Europe; - the amount and timing of any future impairment charges for Telecom Italia's licences, goodwill or other assets; and - the impact of litigation or decreased mobile communications usage arising from actual or perceived health risks or other problems relating to mobile handsets or transmission masts. The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the group will achieve its projected results.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: December 18th, 2003
TELECOM ITALIA S.p.A.
BY: /s/ Carlo De Gennaro
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Carlo De Gennaro
Company Manager