Bouygues Telecom takeover: the CEO of Orange discusses the negotiations and future prices

After hearing
Martin Bouygues and his opinion on the failure of negotiationsof the repurchase of
Bouygues Telecom by Orange, it’s the turn ofStéphane
Richard, CEO of the historic operator, to make himself heard. In a
interview given to the magazineChallenges, he comes back too
on the affair which has kept many tech stakeholders in suspense in France these
recent weeks and other investors. He is also asked about
the future of Orange, onthe 4-operator landscape and the war of
prix:

According to him, the operation ofmarriage
of Orange with Bouyues Telecomwasvery complicated to implement
oeuvre, with 4 actors in addition to the State. Long, due to the
necessary investigative procedures, the case also required a lot of
time toanticipate the reactions and conditions of the Authority of
concurrence.

He adds that it is a plurality of causes which is at the origin offailure
of the redemption. Each of the actors wanted to pull the cover a little more towards
him. The State, favorable to the operation, notably wanteddefend your
interest and its position as majority shareholderfacing the conditions
posed by Martin Bouygues. The latter, a little up against the wall, has, and rightly so,
preferred to limit the risks.

In any case, the file is now closed, Mr. Richard specifies that Orange
continuehis prosperous path, with a diversification plan,
in banking in particular. It ensures the good health of the group. It doesn't happen
no more worries for Bouygues Telecom for the year 2016 and plans
good results, even if their profits will not be at
beautiful fixed, according to him.

Finally regardingthe future with 4 operators, the big boss
believes that in this state,the
war of promotionsmust end, operatorscannot hold
such a rhythminsane promotions. He is therefore counting on a
upcoming price increase, citing the example of Denmark,
where the similar situation (aborted transition from 4 to 3 operators) caused a
rise in prices.

What do you think? Should we expect to see mobile rates and
internet increase?

Source

Editor-in-chief for iPhon.fr. Pierre is like Indiana Jones, looking for the lost iOS trick. Also a long-time Mac user, Apple devices hold no secrets for him. Contact: pierre[a]iphon.fr.