French Telecom Operators Pursue SFR Takeover as Antitrust Review Looms

Bouygues Telecom announced an internal reorganisation effective 1 September, creating two new divisions for consumer and enterprise markets. The move, described as part of its Cap 2030 strategy, is being viewed by unions as preparation for the possible integration of SFR, should the planned acquisition be approved.

Orange, Bouygues and Iliad have submitted a joint €20.35 billion offer to buy SFR, which would cut France’s mobile operators from four to three. The French competition authority is examining the deal, and the EU antitrust regulator has deferred the case to France for a full review, citing the involvement of Iliad. The investigation is expected to last at least 18 months.

The consortium’s offer follows a recent protocol signed between Altice France and the group of Bouygues, Orange and Iliad, pending regulatory clearance.