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By Stefano Rebaudo
MILAN, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Infrastructure fund F2i isconsidering a gradual exit from its controlling stake in Italianfiber optic network provider Metroweb and may take a decision onthe sale in the first quarter of next year, two sources close tothe matter said.
Italy's former phone monopoly Telecom Italia andthe Italian arm of global mobile phone group Vodafone have both expressed interest in buying Metroweb to expand theirfixed broadband business.
According to the sources, F2i will evaluate the businessplans of potential buyers on top of the price offered for itsstake. They said F2i could sell the stake gradually in order tomaximize value.
Some analysts have valued Metroweb at around 400 millioneuros ($497 million). ($1 = 0.8044 euros) (Reporting by Stefano Rebaudo, writing by Danilo Masoni;editing by Agnieszka Flak)
Vodafone (VOD)