Italian Stocks - Factors to watch on March 31

MILAN, March 31 (Reuters) - The following factors could
affect Italian markets on Monday.

Reuters has not verified the newspaper reports, and cannot
vouch for their accuracy. New items are marked with (*).

ALITALIA AZPIa.MI

Air France (AIRF.PA) discusses its buyout offer with
Alitalia unions on Monday.

Talks between Air France-KLM and the unions are likely to
continue beyond Monday, Il Messaggero reports on Monday citing
sources close the the situation.
In an interview with the paper the head of the UGL union
Renata Polverini said unions cannot afford to give up a possible
agreement with Air France-KLM.

Alitalia began scaling back flights at Milan's Malpensa
airport on Sunday in line with a takeover plan by Air France-KLM
and ahead of talks with combative unions whose backing is
crucial to close the deal.
For a story, double click on [nL30678082].

Air France-KLM on Friday agreed to take on an extra 12
percent of Alitalia's ground service workers, but unions
fighting its bid for the ailing Italian carrier rejected the
concession as inadequate.

For a story, double click on [nL28236847].

BANCO POPOLARE (BAPO.MI)

The Italian bank reported a 16 percent drop in 2007 net
profit and sold assets to boost its capital as it changes
strategy to pursue less risky businesses after heavy derivatives
losses at a unit.

For a story, double click on [nL29394113].

RISANAMENTO (RN.MI)

The Italian real estate company said its 2007 loss widened
more than tenfold as the property market worsened, forcing it to
obtain a loan from banks and try to sell assets.

For a story, double click on [nL29196951].

INTESA SANPAOLO (ISP.MI)

The bank said on Friday it signed a contract to sell
performing residential mortgages as part of a deal to issue
covered bonds this year.

For a story, double click on [nL28136359].

TELECOM ITALIA (TLIT.MI)

Italian tax authorities are examining wether the phone group
paid all its taxes when it incorporated its mobile unit TIM,
Daily Il Sole 24 Ore reported on Sunday.

HERA (HRA.MI)

The Italian utility expects 2008 earnings before interest
and tax of 300 million euros, daily Il Sole 24 Ore reported on
Sunday in its letter to investors.

UTILITIES

Power prices will rise by 4.1 percent and natural gas prices
by 4.2 percent in the second quarter due to higher international
crude oil prices, Italy's energy regulator, which sets tariffs,
said on Saturday.

ENI (ENI.MI)

Italy's Agip Oil crude output in Ecuador remained halted on
Saturday, a day after local communities damaged its electricity
system to demand more funds for poor villagers, an oil ministry
spokesman said.

For a story double click on [nN29417466]

SINTONIA

The Benetton's family Sintonia holding company plans to
invest in Turkish and Polish infrastructure projects, daily Il
Corriered della Sera reported.

TOD'S (TOD.MI)

The Italian luxury shoe and bag maker Tod's reported a 17.8
percent rise in 2007 net profit on higher sales on Friday, and
said it had "good expectations" for this year despite a tough
economic scenario.

For a story, double click on [nL28913279].

* CREMONINI CRM.MI

The controlling shareholder is launching a byouout offer at
3 euros per share for the shares he does not control with the
aim of delisting the company.

For a story, double click on [nL31382386].

* GEOX (GEO.MI)

The Italian shoemaker replaces Alitalia on the S&P/Mib index
on Monday.

MARIELLA BURANI FASHION GROUP MBFG.MI

The company on Saturday said it would pay out a dividend of
0.16 euros a share.