EE confirms ‘exploratory discussions’ with BT

EE, the UK mobile network that is jointly owned by Deutsche Telekom and Orange, has confirmed that it is having “highly preliminary exploratory discussions” with BT.

UK service provider BT, which offers TV, broadband, and fixed line triple-play services in the UK, confirmed earlier this week that it was eyeing O2 and another unnamed mobile operator in a possible effort to make moves into the mobile space.

“Deutsche Telekom and Orange, the joint shareholders of EE, regularly analyse the development of the market in which EE operates, evaluating various strategic options which have the potential to create value for EE’s shareholders and strengthen the market position of EE,” said the firm in a statement.

“As one of these options, Deutsche Telekom and Orange are having highly preliminary exploratory discussions with British Telecom, although it is too early to state whether any transaction may occur.”

Earlier this week BT said: “We have received expressions of interest from shareholders in two UK mobile network operators, of which one is O2, about a possible transaction in which BT would acquire their UK mobile business,” the UK operator said in a statement.”