German cable network operator Kabel Deutschland has received a preliminary statement of objection from the German Federal Cartel Office on its proposed acquisition of rival Tele Columbus. Kabel Deutschland said it remained convinced that consumers and competition in Germany would clearly benefit from the proposed acquisition. It will now examine the concerns expressed by the Cartel Office and submit a proposal to remedy them accordingly.
Kabel Deutschland announced in May the agreement to acquire Tele Columbus for EUR 603 million. The smaller operator is active mainly in Berlin and East Germany, with significant overlap with the Kabel Deutschland network footprint.
