Softbank may turn focus to emerging markets, Vodafone after failed T-Mobile US bid
Softbank could next seek to target Vodafone or its units in emerging economies, the Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun reported.
The unsourced Japanese-language report said that with Softbank failing in its planned purchase of T-Mobile US, Softbank President and CEO Masayoshi Son could eye the UK-based telco next, given his aim of making the Japanese firm a worldwide leader in the space.
There is a tailwind behind restructuring telecommunications firms in Europe, whereas US regulators were the stumbling block for the T-Mobile deal, the report noted. With the competitive strength of European telecommunications companies weakening, each country in the region is relaxing its merger regulations.
Nevertheless, Vodafone would probably not be worth less than USD 100bn in a deal, an unnamed analyst told the paper, so Softbank could look just to acquire some of Vodafone's extensive operations in India, throughout Africa, and elsewhere. Softbank could also consider other M&A opportunities in other emerging markets, the item added without providing details.
Softbank has a market capitalization of JPY 9.012trn (USD 86.5bn).
Source Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun