Advanced Television

Telenet ponders Numericable move

February 1, 2011

Belgian cable operator Telenet is considering a bid for the Brussels-based unit of France’s Numericable, which would open a market beyond the group’s base in the north of the country, according to Reuters.

“We are looking at this asset, just like we are looking at other assets in the cable sector, but we won’t give any information beyond that,” a Telenet spokesman said.

Private equity-backed Numericable told Reuters it is considering the future of its assets in Belgium and Luxembourg but that no decision about a sale had yet been taken.

Telenet has previously attempted to acquire the Brussels-based arm of Numericable, formerly known as Coditel, but failed to reach a deal. Telenet launched a €350 million bond in October, which it later increased to €500 million, part of which it earmarked for either a shareholder payout or acquisitions.

Telenet’s networks are in the northern region of Flanders, with Numericable active in Brussels. Voo operates in the southern region of Wallonia. Belgium’s cable operators also face competition from telcos Belgacom and Mobistar who have launched TV packages.

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