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Cable & Wireless/Thus: a deal worth doing

20 July 2010
Access report

In our view the potential for synergies from an acquisition of Thus by C&W, though more limited than might be supposed, would still have a significant impact on the combined entity at the EBITDA level

Recent reports

Growth ebbs away: UK broadband, telephony and pay TV trends Q4 2022

20 March 2023

Market revenue growth slowed to under 1% in Q4, driven by consumers economising in tough times through re-contracting and dropping add-ons.

Early 2023 is likely to be worse, with growth likely to turn negative again in Q1, again driven by ARPU with volumes more robust.

April price increases will give at least a temporary boost, but need to be managed very sensitively to avoid reputational damage and churn.

Access report

VMO2 and CityFibre merger talks: A tough sell

20 March 2023

VMO2 and CityFibre are reportedly holding merger talks, which would bring together by far the two largest fibre builders competing with Openreach.

On a conventional altnet acquisition assessment, CityFibre is an attractive target given its scale, but a very expensive one at a full price given the degree of overlap.

The acquisition might still be attractive given the opportunity to take out a wholesale competitor but, for this same reason, regulatory clearance would be very tough.

Access report

Champions League in Italy: Sky and Amazon deals confirm upward trend in rights value

7 March 2023

Sky has extended its Italian Champions League coverage to 2027, most of it to become exclusive, but at a higher price.

Amazon keeps its Wednesday first-pick
Having secured the UEFA rights, Sky has derisked the upcoming Serie A auction for seasons from 2024/25.        

The Italian deal highlights the rebalancing of media rights value from domestic leagues to European competitions.

Access report