Investment bank Lazard is reported to be handling approaches for TalkTalk, however, it’s important to stress that no formal bids have been tabled. So, for now, it’s worth taking the above report with a healthy pinch of salt.
Talk of acquisition for TalkTalk comes just one year after Virgin Media merged with O2 for an eye-watering £31 billion. Likewise, the deal allowed the newly-merged company to bring together the 4G and 5G network operated by O2 with the full-fibre broadband infrastructure owned by Virgin Media, which is distinct from the BT-owned Openreach cables that BT, Sky, EE, TalkTalk, Plusnet and other firms rely on to connect customer.
Following the merger, Virgin Media broadband customers now benefit from the perks available with O2 Priority – a bonus previously reserved for mobile phone customers – that unlock early access to some of the biggest concerts in the UK, free coffees each week from Café Nero, and a number of other freebies and discounts.
Virgin Media customers can also buy bundles with O2 SIMs, television and full-fibre broadband, following the merger. This could be the blueprint for Vodafone or Sky, should either company table a formal offer and kickstart the process of buying the broadband supplier.
