Vodafone is rumoured to be eyeing up acquiring Germany’s biggest cable operator, Kabel Deutschland (KDG).
Vodafone’s senior management has been weighing up a potential bid for the German group, two people with knowledge of the situation told the Financial Times.
Vodafone had first looked at KDG in late 2008, but the UK-based operator was quick to deny the rumours. The story reappeared early in 2010 just before KDG listed on the Frankfurt stock exchange in March 2010.
In the past, KDG has seen a number of suitors including Liberty Global. Any acquisition by another operator will be subject to review by the German Bunderskartellamt, the competition commission.
Kabel Deutschland is still the big prize as it is Germany’s largest cable operator. As per November 1, 2012, the operator had approximately 3,500 employees.
In fiscal year 2011/2012 (12 months ended March 31, 2012), the company reported revenues of €1,700 million and an Adjusted EBITDA of €795 million.