Three sources told reporters Friday that the European Commission is closing in on offering formal approval for Spain-based Telefonica to acquire Germany’s E-Plus, reports say.
The $11.7 billion takeover would reduce the number of operators in Germany from four to three. Experts have been eyeing the Commission’s review of the merger closely as they believe it will hint at a broader attitude by EU authorities towards wireless consolidation.
If the sources are correct, it would be the latest major wireless merger approved by the Commission; the regulator last week cleared O2 Ireland to be acquired by Hutchison Whampoa.
Telefonica has reportedly agreed to release nearly one-third of its total spectrum after the merger to a mobile virtual network operator to remedy competition concerns, according to reports.
Full content: Wall Street Journal
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
Featured News
Judge Mehta Questions Both Sides in Landmark Google Antitrust Case
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
FCC Urges Urgent Funding for Removal of Chinese Telecom Equipment from U.S. Networks
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
Former Pioneer CEO Facing Potential Criminal Charges For Colluding With OPEC
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
South Korea’s Antitrust Regulator Greenlights K-Pop Powerhouse Deal
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
Exxon’s Pioneer Purchase Approved, Former CEO Barred from Board
May 2, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Economics of Criminal Antitrust
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Navigating Economic Expert Work in Criminal Antitrust Litigation
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
The Increased Importance of Economics in Cartel Cases
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
A Law and Economics Analysis of the Antitrust Treatment of Physician Collective Price Agreements
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Information Exchange In Criminal Antitrust Cases: How Economic Testimony Can Tip The Scales
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI