Mmo2 rules out DoCoMo merger
UK-based mobile phone operator mmO2 yesterday downplayed suggestions it was in merger talks with Japan’s wireless telcos giant NTT DoCoMo.
Speculation was rife over the weekend that mmO2 was a possible bid target for Japan’s dominant wireless carrier.
It was thought DoCoMo would try to acquire the former BT Cellnet business, currently valued at GBP6 billion, to consolidate the Japanese company’s European footprint.
MmO2 dismissed the rumour and said it was not in merger and acquisition talks with any company.
A spokesman for mmO2 said: “We’re in talks with all the operators about various things, but in regard to any merger or M&A activity there are no discussions taking place with anyone.”
A spokeswoman for DoCoMo said: “Our partner in Britain is 3 UK. We hold a stake in the company. We are not considering acquiring mmO2.”
DoCoMo currently has a minority 20 per cent stake in 3 UK, a third-generation (3G) mobile venture.
Analysts said possession of mmo2 would help DoCoMo to speed up the dissemination of i-mode, Japan’s popular 3G data service, as 3 UK’s rollout of third generation services had been hit with costly delays and breakdowns.
