The tangled web of mobile telecommunication mergers: Hutchison Whampoa, Telefónica and BT

Curwen, Peter and Whalley, Jason (2016) The tangled web of mobile telecommunication mergers: Hutchison Whampoa, Telefónica and BT. info, 18 (2). pp. 17-37. ISSN 1463-6697

Preview

Text PDF_Proof.pdf - Accepted Version Download (399kB) | Preview

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to demonstrate how consolidation within Europe’s mobile telecommunication markets requires willing buyers and sellers.

Design/methodology/approach – After highlighting the resurgence in merger and acquisition (M & A) activity in mobile telecommunications, the paper draws on a variety of secondary sources to analyse the strategies of three companies.

Findings – The paper highlights the interwoven nature of the strategies of three companies: BT, Hutchison Whampoa and Telefónica. BT has returned to the mobile telecommunications market in the UK, with the company it did not acquire being purchased by Hutchison. As Hutchison implements a “double or quits” strategy in Europe, it has acquired operations from Telefónica, which, in turn, has exited most of its non-Spanish European operations to focus on Latin America.

Research limitations/implications – The paper relies on secondary data and thus highlights the challenges of doing so and the need for more information regarding M & As to be in the public domain.

Practical implications – There is a need to adopt a sector-wide or regional approach for analysing the strategies of telecommunication companies.

Originality/value – The paper uniquely provides an overview of three corporate strategies to show how they interact with one another.

Actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads