France Telecom in Talks With TeliaSonera for Acquisition
April 18, 2008
France Telecom is discussing a merger plan with TeliaSonera to enter the northern Europe and Baltics markets, The Financial Times has reported.
France Telecom will also be able to expand to Turkey through Turkcell, in which TeliaSonera has a stake.
The Financial Times has quoted Gervais Pellissier, finance director of France Telecom, as saying: “If you ask me whether we are examining a number of companies, including TeliaSonera, I would say yes. But if you are asking whether this is a full-blown examination, we are not there yet.”
The Swedish government holds the largest share of 37.3% in TeliaSonera while the French government holds 27% stake in France Telecom.