EE Owners Confirm Sale Talks With BT

EE’s parent companies have confirmed they are in “preliminary” discussions with BT about a possible sale of the mobile operator.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that BT had entered negotiations with Telefonica, owner of O2, and another unspecified operator widely believed to be EE. BT has already agreed a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) agreement with EE and plans to launch consumer mobile services from early next year.

Both Deutsche Telekom and Orange are believed to be open to a sale of EE, which has reportedly attracted the attention of US operator AT&T in recent times, and say they are evaluating a number of strategic options.

EE acquisition

“Deutsche Telekom AG and Orange SA, the joint shareholders of EE Ltd, regularly analyse the development of the market in which EE operates, evaluating various strategic options which have the potential to create value for EE’s shareholders and strengthen the market position of EE,” said a spokesperson.

“As one of these options, Deutsche Telekom AG and Orange SA are having highly preliminary exploratory discussions with British Telecom, although it is too early to state whether any transaction may occur. Deutsche Telekom and Orange will make further announcements if and when appropriate.”

Should BT agree a deal to purchase EE, it would unite the UK’s largest fixed and mobile communications companies, however the prospect of reuniting O2 and BT could hold some emotional appeal.

EE has already launched landline, television and fixed broadband services, but Telefonica appears unwilling to follow its rival into the ‘quad-play war and would be receptive to an offer from BT that would allow the Spanish operator to exit the UK market.

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