EU: AT&T, Vodafone ties get tangled with wireless, cable mergers

A possible M&A deal between AT&T and Vodafone could be threatened by the UK telco’s likely pursuit of cable assets over wireless ones, say reports.

Sources told reporters that Vodafone could be looking to boost its cable portfolio throughout Europe and that, while AT&T recognizes it may be the right move for Vodafone, it raises concerns over a potential future deal between AT&T and Vodafone. AT&T has been rumored to be eying the EU wireless industry as of late, especially since its main US rival Verizon recently finalized its acquisition of the 45 percent stake in Verizon Wireless, once held by Vodafone.

But that deal, made for $130 billion, also left Vodafone with funds to pursue its own mergers.

Spain’s cable operator Ono, for example, is said to have received an informal buyout bid from Vodafone after Ono progressed with its IPO plans.

Sources say Vodafone’s alleged cable plans make the company less attractive to the US wireless firm, as AT&T wants to stick with the mobile telco industry.

Full Content: Wall Street Journal

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