(sub. req.) IPTV pioneer Fastweb, the Italian firm, is being eyed by at least five private equity firms for a buyout. The fast-growing Italian broadband company which has just started a review of its future strategy, has a market capitalisation of over $3.5 billion and has grown in a few years to be the second-largest company in its sector after Telecom Italia.

Apax Partners, Providence Equity, Permira, BC Partners and Carlyle Group have all been in touch with the company, the story says.

The company has about 700,000 customers, up from 500,000 last year, and specialises in offering them triple-play.

Related: IPTV Grows With Fastweb