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M&A

Spain: State takes 10% Telefónica stake

The Spanish state has become a shareholder in Telefónica with the acquisition of a 10 per cent stake in the company with an estimated value of €2 billion via state-owned holding company Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales (SEPI). The move comes three months after the Saudi STC paid €2.1 billion for its stake, 4.9 per […]

December 20, 2023From David Del Valle in Madrid

iliad submits merger proposal to Vodafone Italy

The iliad Group, the France-based telco, has confirmed that it has submitted a proposal to Vodafone Group for the merger of iliad’s and Vodafone’s businesses in Italy through the creation of a new entity (‘NewCo’) which it says will “establish an attractive market offering centred around innovation, growth and unparalleled customer experience”. This offer benefits […]

December 19, 2023

ZEE asks for more time over Sony merger

Another hurdle has emerged in the long-awaited merger between Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEEL) and Sony’s India business. Shares in ZEEL fell 4 per cent following news that ZEEL has asked for an extension to the deadline for the merger to take place, according to Reuters. Zee Entertainment said in separate regulatory filing on December 16th […]

December 18, 2023By Chris Forrester

RTL Nederland sold to DPG Media for €1.1bn

RTL Group has reached an agreement on the sale of RTL Nederland to DPG Media, a multi-media company active in the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark. Subject to regulatory approvals and the consultation process with the respective works councils, the all-cash transaction is expected to close around mid-2024. The total consideration on a debt- and cash-free […]

December 15, 2023

Sony-Zee merger goes down to the wire

The long-running saga between Sony Pictures Networks India (now called Culver Max Entertainment) and Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEEL) is reportedly close to a decision. But it is currently anyone’s guess as to who will head up the combined company. Indeed, some observers suggest that a decision may not be made by the pre-agreed merger deadline […]

December 15, 2023By Chris Forrester

Vivendi mulls 3-way split

Media conglomerate Vivendi has confirmed it is exploring the feasibility splitting  the company into several entities, each of which would be listed on the stock market. The company notes that since the distribution and listing of Universal Music Group in 2021, Vivendi has endured a significantly high conglomerate discount, substantially reducing its valuation and thereby […]

December 14, 2023By Colin Mann

Telenor Pakistan sold to PTCL

Telenor Group has announced the sale of its Pakistan telco operations to Pakistan Telecommunications Company (PTCL), which is part of technology and investment group e&. PTCL’s major assets include Ufone, a mobile operator in Pakistan with over 20 million customers. The sale is part of Telenor’s strategy to build scale and players in Asia, as […]

December 14, 2023

Digi paves the way for Orange, MásMóvil merger

Romanian telco operator Digi has confirmed its deal with Orange and MásMóvil whereby it will gain access to their mobile networks, thus paving the way for the European authorities to give approval to the merger. Digi will pay Orange €120 million for the usage of its network. In exchange, it will be able to manage […]

December 13, 2023From David Del Valle in Madrid

Terran Orbital for sale?

Satellite builder Terran Orbital, already under considerable pressure from the NYSE because of its low share price, issued a statement (on a Form 8-K) to the SEC on December 11th which formally notifies shareholders that it is conducting a “formal strategic review” of its business. Reports suggest that Terran is seeking a buyer or partner […]

December 12, 2023By Chris Forrester

FCC approves Dish/EchoStar licence transfers

The FCC has approved the transfer of control of Dish Network and its subsidiaries to EchoStar Corp. The FCC, and the bureaux under its supervision (the Office of Engineering & Technology, the Space Bureau, the Wireless Telecommunications) allowed the transfer of its broadcast and transmission licences. The FCC order includes those terrestrial licences for Dish’s […]

December 7, 2023By Chris Forrester