Roberto Colaninno, one of Italy's top businessmen and entrepreneurs, died in his Mantua home Saturday having recently turned 80, financial sources close to his family said.
After his debut in the Italian business world in the 1960s, Colaninno had a high-profile career at Olivetti.
He will perhaps be best remembered for a takeover of Telecom Italia in 1999, Italy's biggest ever leveraged buyout, and for relaunching scooter maker Piaggio. Colannino also led the 'captains courageous' who vainly tried to keep Alitalia viable.
His family holding company Omniaholding later confirmed his death.
His funeral will take place in Mantua in a prtvate capacity, they said.
He leaves a wife and two children
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