Former Belgacom CEO calls for new merger talks with KPN

News General Belgium 22 AUG 2011
Former Belgacom CEO calls for new merger talks with KPN
The privatisation of Belgacom should be accelerated, so the operator can better defend itself against competitive threats, such as in the evolving mobile market, according to the operator's former CEO Bessel Kok. Kok told the paper De Tijd that Belgacom should restart talks with Dutch operator KPN on a merger. The two operators held talks in 2001, but according to Kok the Belgians were too self-assured and CEO John Goosens asked for too much, such as the headquarters in Brussels and CEO role for himself. Kok said now is the time for a new attempt, as Belgacom has a strong position in its home market as well as a solid balance sheet.

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General

Companies:

KPN

Countries:

Belgium,  Netherlands

Tags:

Wholesale, Corporate strategy, M&A buyouts & divestments, Officers & directors

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Belgacom CEO says deal with KPN 'could make sense'

A deal between Belgacom and KPN could make sense, depending on possible synergies, timing and the balance of forces, Belgacom CEO Didier Bellens told L'Echo. In general, the CEO deplored the lack of medium term strategy in the Walloon cable sector. "The risk is there, for Telenet to pluck VOO when the time is ripe," Bellens said. In general, the CEO said Belgacom was in the "best" position to go forward.

BELGIUM 22 AUG 2011

'Snelle privatisering Belgacom wenselijk'

Om zich beter te wapenen tegen nieuwe spelers zoals in de mobiele markt die inkomsten naar zich toetrekken, zou Belgacom haast moeten maken met privatiseren. Dat is de mening van voormalig Belgacom-topman Bessel Kok. In de Vlaamse krant de Tijd zegt Kok ook dat Belgacom na een eventuele privatisering zou moeten aanhaken bij KPN en gesprekken tussen beide partijen zouden liever vandaag dan morgen moeten worden gevoerd. In 2001 zaten KPN en Belgacom ook al om de tafel om te praten over samenwerking, maar dat

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