Asked by Les Echos whether Altice would make new acquisitions in France, Combes responded that his first priority was to consolidate the company’s existing bases. The group has 40 million customers in 15 territories and nearly 40,000 employees. Three major assets were acquired in the last 18 months. “The group must continue to structure these operations and to industrialise its functions,” he said, adding that he would visit all subsidiaries in the next few weeks and reflect on Altice’s long term future.
Altice president Patrick Drahi said of the appointment, “I am very pleased that Michel, whom I have known for over 20 years, has decided to join us to help structure the group's operations and to harmonise our best practices throughout our subsidiaries and countries. He will bring a solid experience both in mobile and fixed operations and is a talented and appreciated manager. The group will continue to attract key talent to help manage our rapid expansion in both Europe and the Americas whilst maintaining our unique entrepreneurial mindset.”
