MILAN, March 14 (Reuters) - KKR is pressing

ahead with preparatory activities for the buyout of Telecom

Italia's (TIM) fixed line network and working with other parties

towards the summer 2024 timeframe for finalising the deal, a

spokesperson for the U.S. fund said on Thursday.

Backed by the Italian government and worth up to 22 billion

euros ($24 billion), the deal is opposed by TIM's top investor

Vivendi, which has questioned the sustainability of the

remaining business and is fighting the sale in court.

($1 = 0.9186 euros)