French Telecom Trio Delays SFR Deal Finalization
Bouygues Telecom, Orange, and Free-iliad have extended talks with Altice France by 48 hours to finalize a 20.35 billion euro acquisition of SFR. If approved, the deal would reduce the number of French mobile operators from four to three.
BOUYGUES SA (EN.PA), ORANGE, and Free-iliad delayed the finalization of their joint bid for SFR by 48 hours on late Friday. The trio is negotiating with Altice France to acquire the rival operator for €20.35B ($23.44B), up from an initial €17B. A successful deal would reduce the number of mobile network operators in France from four to three.
### Exclusivity Period Extended The 48-hour delay follows a previous extension of the exclusivity period, which Altice France had moved from May 16 to June 5. The parties stated the additional time is necessary to finalize agreements given the progress made in discussions. If approved by regulators, the acquisition would rank among the largest European telecoms transactions in recent years.
