O2/Three Merger Has Been Blocked

[Bambino]

It's not looking promising. Meeting is today.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/7958a956-15f4-11e6-9d98-00386a18e39d.html#axzz48HBZG1Ua

Edit: News as of this morning: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-36266924

[Bambino]

I think 'considering' is the optimum word in your post @Anonymous. A legal challenge would cost a great deal of money. Three would have to weigh that up with the chance of actually winning, and in light of this decision, the odds wouldn't be to their advantage.

[Toby]

Hi guys,

You can find an official statement from O2 regarding the Hutchison deal here:

http://news.o2.co.uk/?press-release=commissions-decision-three-uko2-merger

[Cleoriff]

The same statement just made on BBC News @Toby though BBC news editor has mentioned about Liberty Global showing great interest in taking over O2...

[jonsie]

I don't see exactly what O2 will be doing now. They need some major investment as they just seem to have been in a status quo while they have been waiting for this decision.

[MI5]

Prepare for meltdown......

[Anonymous]

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@Bambino wrote:

I think 'considering' is the optimum word in your post @Anonymous. A legal challenge would cost a great deal of money. Three would have to weigh that up with the chance of actually winning, and in light of this decision, the odds wouldn't be to their advantage.

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They've got very deep pockets, and their legal team will be working overtime right now, to determine whether they have a serious chance of overturning that decision.

But I'd be surprised if they give up the fight just yet.

[Bambino]

Nothing would surprise me any more, but I think that if you consider the brevity of the O2 statement, O2 won't be around much longer.

[Cleoriff]

I think it's all a wait and see scenario now....I would be surprised if this decision hasn't knocked O2 for six if honest.

[MI5]

Telefonica aren't going to invest in O2 - If any merger is gonna be blocked then an independent buyer needs to be found and fast!

[Cleoriff]

They wouldn't have any reason to block Liberty Global though would they?