Europe emerges as a tough place to do a deal

Article Abstract:

European telecommunications operators see their merger attempts fail or get tangled in government regulation, much like Sprint and MCI WorldCom's attempt to merge.

Europe, Management, Acquisitions and mergers, WorldCom Inc., Sprint Corp., WCOM, FON, Illustration

Eircom's fixed-line business may be sold for 2.25 billion euros

Article Abstract:

The former chief executive of Esat Telecom Group, Denis O'Brien, is heading a team that is offering to acquire Eircom PLC's fixed-line operations. The group is making a bid of 2.25 billion euros to acquire the operations.

Ireland, Planning, Eircom PLC, O'Brien, Denis

Phone deals show networks are easier to buy than build

Article Abstract:

AT and T's acquisition of IBM's global data communications network and Global TeleSystems Group Inc's acquisition of Esprit Telecom Group PLC were both announced on Dec 8, 1998. The two deals show a trend towards buying preexisting networks from second-tier carriers, rather than building new ones from scratch. Many such combinations have occured in the US, but experts say Europe will be the next hunting ground for acquisitive telecommunications operators. Potential European acquisition targets include RSL Communications Ltd, Viatel, and Primus Telecommunications Group Inc.

Comment:

AT and T's acquisition of IBM's network and Global TeleSystems Group's acquisition of Esprit Telecom show an industry trend

United Kingdom, United States, Telephone and telegraph apparatus, Telephone Apparatus Manufacturing, Telecommunications, Telephone Communication, Telephone & Telegraph Eqp NEC, AT&T Corp., T, International Business Machines Corp., IBM, Telecommunications equipment industry, Telecommunications systems, Abstract, Global TeleSystems Inc., GTSG, Esprit Telecom Ltd.