Autostrade Road block

What chance a counter-bid for Autostrade? Plans to merge the Italian motorway group with Spanish rival Abertis have run into opposition from politicians and regulators in Rome. Some shareholders are unhappy with the terms. Vito Gamberale was promptly fired as Autostrade’s chief executive this week after denouncing the deal – even though he had just approved it. Speculation has centred on Rome encouraging a domestic alternative bid. But such a counter-bid looks like a long shot. The problem is ...