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Germany: Local regs want spectrum sales in Telefonica, E-Plus tie-up

By  |  April 1, 2014

German competition authorities said it will look to require spectrum sales should Telefonica Deutschland and KPN’s E-Plus merge as the European Commission continues its review of the deal.

While EU regulators are set to rule on the deal May 14 after denying Germany jurisdiction of the case, reports say Germany’s telco watchdog released a paper Tuesday calling on required asset divestitures from the companies. The transaction would combine the company’s third- and fourth-place operators.

The Commission earlier rejected Germany’s request to review the merger. Experts say it is likely part of the EU’s move to promote consistency in telco merger reviews; the Commission is currently reviewing Hutchison Whampoa’s $1 billion acquisition of O2 Ireland, currently owned by Telefonica.

Full Content: Reuters

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