The European Commission is reportedly set to clear Hutchison Whampoa’s takeover of O2 Ireland next week after being backed by a key competition panel.
Approval come could as early as 28 May when commissioners are next set to meet, reported Bloomberg…
The European Commission is reportedly set to clear Hutchison Whampoa’s takeover of O2 Ireland next week after being backed by a key competition panel.
Approval come could as early as 28 May when commissioners are next set to meet, reported Bloomberg citing sources.
Hutchison, a conglomerate based in Hong Kong that also owns rival Irish mobile operator Three, declined to comment.
Although the EC has a deadline of 20 June to make a decision, sources have previously indicated that clearance could come a week or two before, depending on internal procedures.
The €850m (US$1.16bn) deal is thought to have been in line for approval ever since Hutchison agreed remedies that could see UPC, Liberty Global’s Irish fixed-line operator, roll out mobile services in the country.
UPC is set to be offered an MVNO and then spectrum from a combined O2 Ireland/Three to upgrade it into a full operator, TelecomFinance understands.
