ITV

Tag: Easynet

  • Murdoch’s BSkyB buys Easynet for $373.1 million

    MUMBAI: Rupert Murdoch-controlled UK satellite broadcaster British Sky Broadcasting has finally sealed the acquisition of high-speed internet provider Easynet Group. BSkyB has bought the telecom firm for $373.1 million.

    The acquisition allows BSkyB to offer broadband, video-on-demand and telephony services, allowing it to compete more directly with cable firms NTL and Telewest, as well as British Telecom. BSkyB wanted to acquire a broadband telco and is prepared to invest in Local Loop Unbundling (LLU) in a bid to provide phone and broadband services to its direct to end users.

    Media reports had earlier quoted BSkyB chief executive James Murdoch as saying that BSkyB offered to pay 175 pence in cash for each Easynet share, or 38 per cent more than yesterday’s closing price of 127 pence. Easynet directors recommended shareholders accept the offer.

    “About 47 percent of Sky customers currently have broadband, and almost the balance will be making a decision about broadband in the next few years,” Murdoch had said.

    BSkyB has said it plans to move to a hybrid broadband and satellite distribution model. “This positions Sky very well to take a leading position in what we think is a very attractive and fast growing segment of the market,” media reports said quoting James Murdoch.
     

  • BSkyB set to buy Easynet

    MUMBAI: UK satellite operator BSkyB is close to buying high-speed internet provider Easynet, media reports indicate. The telcom firm has invested heavily in providing broadband services to rival British Telecom.

    Buying Easynet would be a way for BSkyB to offer triple-play services into the UK market, putting it in competition with the cable and telecom companies. BSkyB wants to acquire a broadband telco and is prepared to invest in Local Loop Unbundling (LLU) in a bid to provide phone and broadband services to its direct to end users.

    BSkyB is looking to invest in Easynet to bolster the ways in which consumers can access its content. It plans to raise about ?1bn with a bond issue, ploughing some of the proceeds into acquisitions.

    The acquisition of Easynet would allow BSkyB to offer broadband, video-on-demand and telephony services, allowing it to compete more directly with cable firms NTL and Telewest, as well as BT.