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France: Wireless firm Bouygues pursues merger despite backlash

By  |  March 2, 2014

France’s third-largest wireless operator Bouygues has reportedly hired advisors to aid in its efforts to merge with larger competitor SFR, according to sources, despite competition concerns that have already emerged.

Two unnamed sources said Bouygues is considering making a competing bid for Vivendi-owned SFR following reports that Altice’s Numericable could make a bid for the company.

But reports say Bouygues’s efforts face numerous obstacles as the deal would merge the nation’s second- and third-place wireless firms. Numericable, on the other hand, is not in the wireless industry and would not likely face as much antitrust scrutiny, reports say.

Start-up wireless firm Iliad could also be eying an SFR bid, according to one source.

Full Content: Reuters

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