Austrian Competition Authority May Prevent Orange-Takeover

CompaniesMedia ♦ Published: December 15, 2012; 20:54 ♦ (Vindobona)

This week, the EU-Commission has approved the acquisition of the third-biggest telecommunication company by Hutchison Austria. Austria´s BWB (Federal Competition Authority) is seen as risk factor.

In February, Hutchison Austria and Orange announced to plan a merger. Orange Austria is owned by Télécom France (35%) and Mid European Partners (65%). In total, Orange will be sold for € 1.4bn to Hutchison Austria. Thus, Hutchison becomes number three on Austria´s telecommunication market. Moreover, Orange´s discount brand “Yesss!” will be acquired by the market leader Telekom…