Vodafone’s proposed US$21.8 billion acquisition of Liberty Global’s assets in Germany and Eastern Europe is headed for a full EU antitrust probe, Reuters reported.
According to Reuters, the European Commission’s move could put pressure on the world’s second-largest mobile operator to offer concessions, unless it can convince the EU competition enforcer that the deal poses no competition issues.
The deal between Vodafone and US cable pioneer John Malone’s Liberty would enable Vodafone to better compete with Deutsche Telekom in the German rival’s home market.
The enlarged company would be Europe’s biggest provider of broadband, cable, and mobile services with 54 million customers and reach 110 million homes and businesses. The acquisition includes Liberty Global assets in the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Romania.
