AMSTERDAM--Dutch telecom firm Royal KPN NV (KPN.AE) said
Thursday that several parties have shown an interest in acquiring
its Belgian mobile-phone business, in what could be the latest
consolidation move in Europe's telecommunications industry.
KPN said it is exploring "all of its options" for BASE, its
Brussels-based subsidiary that has a rumored price tag of 1 billion
euros ($1.1 billion). It didn't elaborate.
The statement followed reports in Belgian media that local cable
operators Telenet Group Holding NV and Voo were preparing a joint
bid for the business. Telenet declined to comment, while Voo
couldn't immediately be reached for comment.
A deal would be the latest in a series of mergers in Europe's
fragmented telecom sector and could spur further consolidation in
Belgium as well as the Netherlands, analysts said.
KPN, which has sold most of its international activities in
recent years, could use the proceeds for acquisitions at home, but
may also become a more appealing takeover candidate itself, said
ING analyst Emmanuel Carlier.
KPN in 2013 rebuffed a takeover attempt from Mexico's America
Movil SAB, which still owns a stake of more than 20% in the
company.
KPN tried to sell BASE in 2012 but cancelled the plan after
receiving disappointing bids.
Write to Maarten van Tartwijk at maarten.vantartwijk@wsj.com
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