Belgian cable operator Telenet has bought the customer base of several Flemish rivals for a total EUR 170 million. The UPC subsidiary reached a deal to buy the analogue and digital cable activities of Interkabel and a number of local operators, plus their digital venture Indi. The operators will remain owners of the network, while Telenet will take over the broadcast activities, customers and all services and pay an annual fee for operational expenses. The local operators include Integan, Intermedia, PBE and WVEM. Telenet will roll out its iDTV digital platform across Flanders following the takeover. The in-principle agreement is still subject to approval by local authorities, and the companies have agreed to suspend their ongoing litigation in light of the deal. Based on pro forma figures for 2007, Telenet will acquire sales of EUR 90 million and EBITDA of EUR 40-45 million. Telenet expects one-time integration fees of EUR 12-15 million.
