Block Vodafone’s takeover of Liberty Global, top executive urges regulators
The head of Germany’s third largest mobile operator has asked regulators to block Vodafone’s €18bn takeover of Liberty Global’s assets in the country.
Markus Haas of Telefonica Deutschland said the deal “poses a considerable threat to consumers”.
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The chief executive, who helped oversee Telefonica’s €8.6bn deal for E-Plus in 2014, said: “Almost two decades after the privatisation of the cable network, it would lead to a quasi-monopolisation of the German cable TV market and a duopoly in the fixed broadband market.
“It can be assumed that consumers will be permanently disadvantaged by price increases, a lack of variety of products and less competition in service.”
Vodafone’s deal, announced in May, sees the British telco take over mobile, TV and broadband services in Germany, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Romania.
It will allow the company to challenge Deutsche Telekom, the largest player on the German market.
Read more: Ofcom to investigate EE and Vodafone over network coverage claims
The European Commission said today it received a request to approve the takeover on Friday.
It is now expected to make an initial ruling by 27 November.