UK: BT urges regulator to hurry decision on £12 billion takeover of EE

BT has claimed its proposed £12.5 billion acquisition of mobile network operator EE will be good for competition, investment and innovation in the UK, with both consumers and businesses benefiting from it. And so BT has called on regulators to make a fast-track decision on its planned £12 billion takeover.

In a submission to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which is currently looking into the deal, BT said that because the number of UK MNOs would remain at four after the acquisition.

It said that the ability of its mobile and landline rivals to compete using the Openreach network would not be affected, and said its broadband and mobile market shares would remain under the threshold at which regulatory action would be justified.

“A larger BT will be able to invest and innovate more than now, something that’s good for jobs and good for customers,” said BT CEO Gavin Patterson.

“The acquisition will lead to greater competition given our history as a natural and willing wholesaler, enabling other companies to use the networks we own.

Full content: The Guardian

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