A PYMNTS Company

Ireland: EU approaches Hutchison/O2 tie-up decision

By  |  May 7, 2014

The European Commission is set to decide next month on the proposed acquisition of O2 Ireland by Hutchison Whampoa, reports say.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    The Hong Kong-based firm will learn by June 20 whether it will be allowed to acquire the wireless assets from their current owner Telefonica in a $974 million deal. A ruling on the merger was delayed after the Commission reportedly sought more information regarding the buyout from Hutchison, which operates wireless firm Three in Europe.

    Competition concerns were raised because the acquisition would make Three the second-largest wireless operator in Ireland, reducing the number of operator rivals from four to three.

    Reports say Hutchison offered last March to divest spectrum and customers to a smaller competitor to win antitrust approval for the acquisition.

    Full content: Irish Examiner

    Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.