Deutsche Telecom has reportedly approached the Belgian government about acquiring a part of the state’s 53.5% stake in incumbent operator Belgacom.
DT contacted Belgacom’s largest shareholder in the first few months of 2011 about the stake, but was…
Deutsche Telecom has reportedly approached the Belgian government about acquiring a part of the state’s 53.5% stake in incumbent operator Belgacom.
DT contacted Belgacom’s largest shareholder in the first few months of 2011 about the stake, but was told to come back after the terms of Belgium’s coalition government – which are still decided – were secured, reported Le Soir citing a source.
A spokesperson for DT refused to comment but noted the company had said previously that it does not plan to make any major acquisitions.
The Belgian government was unable to comment before the press deadline. Belgacom declined to comment on speculation.
However, the Belgian government is open, in principal, to lowering its stake in Belgacom, which would help reduce the country’s national debt, reports add.
DT is already present in Belgium through its local mobile operator subsidiary T-Mobile.
On 6 June, the German operator increased its stake in Greek incumbent OTE, after the local government exercised a put option that required DT to raise its total share to 40%. The Greek government retains a 10% stake in OTE.
