BT Deals & M&A – Page 3
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Public AffairsBT eSIM strategy entangled in UK security reviews
The fire sale of eSIM platform developer Truphone has reportedly been disrupted by security services concerns linked to a remote SIM provisioning contract with BT.
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Strategy & ChangeDrahi returns to BT spotlight amid fresh takeover speculation
All eyes on French billionaire as six-month ban on BT takeover bid expires tomorrow.
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Public AffairsDrahi’s BT stake raises national security concerns
UK Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng wields National Security & Investment Act to review, and potentially reverse, Altice UK’s latest BT stake acquisition.
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CorporateOpenreach’s Selley in the dark about Drahi’s aims
Openreach CEO has met the Altice UK owner several times over the years. Selley sees BT as a “very good owner” that has the UK government’s ear.
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Network & InfrastructureCellnex wins over BT and CMA to secure Hutchison UK tower merger
BT appeased by recent strengthening of its own Cellnex partnership. Cellnex to complete €10bn, six-country deal following approval of UK merger.
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M&ABT Italia offloads SAP services subsidiary
BT Global continues ‘global not national’ streamlining programme with the sale of Italian IT outsourcing outfit ERPTech. €4m+ deal leaves Italia lightweight but focused.
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M&ADiscovery JV: BT Sport to be unbundled from BT
Another twist to the tale as BT and Discovery enter exclusive discussions. Jansen indicates agreement encompasses Eurosport UK and ‘Discovery app’, hinting at sports content tie-up; says deal has “no downsides”. The move could be a huge blow to DAZN, which appeared to have secured an $800m buyout.
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PremiumBT wary of Cellnex compromise on CKH tower merger
Spanish InfraCo willing to sell enough sites from existing estate to enable new UK tower player to emerge, overcoming CMA concerns on competition linked to planned CKH infrastructure acquisition. Four companies already stepped forward as potential buyers. BT remains concerned about impact on MBNL and 5G investment plans.
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Public AffairsCellnex offers CMA deal to secure Hutchison UK tower merger
Spanish InfraCo willing to sell enough sites from its existing estate to enable a new UK tower player to emerge, and overcome CMA concerns on competition linked to its planned CKH infrastructure acquisition. Four companies have already stepped forward as potential buyers. CTIL objects to being positioned as a ...
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M&ADAZN retakes lead in BT Sport race
Sports streaming specialist in pole position to land $800m deal. Discovery JV still a possibility, but cash injection may be preferable as BT invests in 5G and fibre rollouts.
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Financial & PerformanceBT’s M&A chaperone boosts takings
Boutique advisory firm Robey Warshaw reports a 50% jump in sales from corporate deal-making tasks. Partner of BT and Vodafone appears primed to benefit from industry’s new wave of consolidation.
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M&ADefences up as Drahi increases BT stake
Patrick Drahi’s Altice UK stops short of a takeover bid, but increases holding to 18%. UK government issues warning that it “will not hesitate” to protect national interests amid concerns of foreign investment in critical infrastructure incumbent. Takeover not Drahi’s ‘intention’, but caveats are in place.
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M&AWill Drahi come knocking on BT’s door?
Six months on from French billionaire’s surprise raid on BT, Altice UK now free to up its stake or mount a takeover bid. Jansen called in for meeting with UK government minister to get the lowdown on Drahi’s intentions.
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M&ABT Sport mulls Discovery JV as DAZN buyout stalls
Discovery in talks with BT over sports broadcasting partnership. Deal would offer strong alternative to DAZN’s £600m buyout attempt.
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M&AReliance denies interest in acquiring BT stake
BT share price jumps on report that Indian conglomerate eyeing a move for UK incumbent. Reliance quick to dismiss the article as “completely speculative and baseless”, but City still excited.
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Venturing & InvestmentsHöttges: “All options open” for BT stake
Patrick Drahi free to make bigger move on BT from 11 December. French billionaire is planning to increase BT stake, reports Reuters. Sources say any move likely to involve DT. Höttges keeps cards close to chest.
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Financial & PerformanceBT highlights cost-cutting progress as Drahi waits in wings
Group confirms it has achieved its headline £1bn savings target well ahead of original March 2023 deadline. Announcement is an attempt to display strengths ahead of this week’s Q2 results and in the face of potential Altice takeover bid before the end of the year.
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Strategy & ChangeBT picks advisors to patch takeover vulnerabilities
Robey Warshaw testing BT defences ahead of the end of restrictions on a full takeover bid from major shareholder Altice. Jansen’s ambitious strategy coupled with share price volatility may also be contributing to need for additional City counsellors.
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M&ADAZN targets Premier League with BT Sport bid — reports
Reports indicate BT is in “advanced” stage talks with DAZN to offload BT Sport, with a deal mooted “within weeks”. Broadcasting rights the big-ticket item for US streaming specialist, while BT looks to focus efforts on network expansion.
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PremiumBT Pension Scheme completes Hermes exit
Federated Hermes actions call option to acquire BTPS’s residual shareholding in fund manager. BT on track with pension deficit recovery plan.