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EU: Germany contends with EC over KPN, Telefonica merger

By  |  November 20, 2013

German antitrust regulators are now arguing with the European Commission to gain jurisdiction over the $11.5 billion buyout of KPN’s E-Plus by Telefonica Deutschland, say reports.

The merger would leave Germany with just three main wireless operator players. The Commission set a date of December 6 to decide whether to clear the deal or launch an in-depth probe.

Now, the decision has been delayed by 10 working days, say reports, as the Commission decides whether to allow German officials jurisdiction over the case.

Reports say experts and the merging parties expect an investigation into the deal and therefore are not expecting to finalize the buyout until next summer.

Germany’s competition regulator said it has the support of the federal ministry for economic affairs in taking over review of the case.

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