Vodafone discusses the redemption of the european assets of Liberty Global

LONDON (Reuters) – Vodafone (LON:VOD) on Friday announced to be in discussions with Liberty Global to buy certain assets of the cable operator american in Europe.

“Vodafone confirms that it is in the initial phase of discussions with Liberty Global regarding the possible acquisition of some assets redundant, held by Liberty Global in continental Europe,” said the british operator in response to an article in the Financial Times.

Vodafone clarified that the discussions did not involve a merger.

The title Vodafone has taken up to 4.36% in London stock Exchange in the wake of this information the FT before ending the session on a gain of 2.38% 219,5 pence, head of the sector index telecommunications (-0,81%) and the second highest increase in the FTSE 100 index (-0,63%).

Action Liberty Global was preparing for her hand 3,13% at 17h22 GMT in New York.

The group of John Malone, by the voice of a spokesperson, was said to have taken cognizance of the statement of the british operator and have no other comment to make.

Vodafone and Liberty Global were discussed in 2015 to an exchange of assets without being able to reach agreement on valuation. They have, however, created a joint venture in the netherlands..

The two groups are major suppliers of broadband connections in Germany, by far the largest market in Europe, and Vodafone is the second largest mobile operator behind Deutsche Telekom (DE:DTEGn).

Their activities also overlap in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania, as well as in Great Britain and Ireland.

(Paul Sandle; Bertrand Boucey for French service, edited by Marc Angrand)