Orange and MásMóvil are exploring the possibility of a 50/50 merger of their operations in Spain.
News of such a move was reported by the local publication Expansion>, quoting unnamed sources.
Meanwhile, Business Insider reports that this contrasts with what Vodafone CEO Nick Read said following the release of Vodafone’s latest set of results. Speaking in an analysts’ call, he confirmed that the company would not rule out any options when asked about a possible merger with MásMóvil in Spain.
Read added that Vodafone is very proactive and outlined different options including a joint venture and acquiring a stake in MásMóvil.
Broadband TV News notes that Spain’s telecom market is dominated by Telefónica, Orange and Vodafone, with MásMóvil the fourth largest player. It is generally assumed that the market is in need of consolidation.
MásMóvil also owns the operator Nowo in neighbouring Portugal.