Orange has confirmed that it has renewed preliminary discussions with the Bouygues Group with a view to a consolidation with Bouygues Telecom.
“These discussions are not limited by any particular calendar and hold no commitment to any particular predefined outcome,” the French incumbent telecom operator said in a statement.
“The Group is exploring the opportunities available within the French telecoms market, while keeping in mind that its investments and its solid position afford it a total independence in its approach.
“Orange will act solely in the interests of its shareholders, its employees and its customers and will be particularly vigilant with regards to the value created through any resulting project.”
A merger between the two operators would bring the number one and number two operator together. Rumours about a possible tie-up have been circulating in the French press since early December.