Telefónicawatch Report #51 Extracts: Associates and Investments
14 December 2010
.
Extract from Telefonicawatch, report #51. Click through for: the Executive Brief from this month’s report; the Report Snapshot; or to contact us for more information about the full 72-page report, this industry standard monthly report service, and ongoing subscription access.
ASSOCIATES & INVESTMENTS
Telefónica’s Digital+ buy cleared
Telefónica’s proposed acquisition of a 21% stake in Digital+ (Telefónicawatch, 2009.10) has been cleared by Spanish competition authority the CNC, after earlier indications that the deal could be blocked.
Telefónica and Mediaset controlled channel Telecinco acquired 21% and 22% respectively of Digital+ in late 2009, but there were concerns raised with competition authorities that competition in the pay TV market would be restricted by the change in ownership, with Telefónica gaining a substantial hold on the sector.
However, the CNC decided to file the deals for approval after it received confirmation that Telefónica and Telecinco have waived their veto rights in Digital+, in relation to some management decisions in areas that relate to the monopoly concerns being investigated by the CNC.
“ The new conditions do no alter Prisa’s exclusive control over Digital+, and therefore there is no modification in the control structure of Digital+, and therefore no merger agreement that needs to be authorised previously by the CNC. ”
– CNC statement.
[Further reference: Telefónica and Telecinco get green light for DIGITAL+ transaction -- Prisa, 10 November 2010; Digital+ deal with Telefónica, Telecinco to go ahead -- Reuters, 10 November 2010; Competition body blocks Telefónica entry into Digital Plus -- DM Europe, 26 October 2010.]
Telefónica invests in ASSIA
ASSIA, Inc, a provider of dynamic spectrum management software tools for DSL broadband services, announced it has secured $20.8m (EUR15.7m) in funding from investors Telefónica Group, AT&T, and Sandalwood Partners. Assia’s existing investors include: Mingly China Growth Fund, SFR Development, Sofinnova Partners, Stanford University, Swisscom Ventures, and T Ventures.
The solutions developed by ASSIA are said to enable “dramatic” speed and reach improvements for DSL broadband, bringing associated savings in capital and operating expenses while creating additional revenue opportunities. Products and services from ASSIA are also said to support next generation services including Internet Protocol television and faster wireless data transfers to smartphones. ASSIA also claims it could deliver 100Mbps plus broadband speeds over existing phone lines.
“ Telefónica is proud of its leadership in DSL services, and is committed to providing the best quality service to our DSL customers worldwide. Telefónica’s and ASSIA’s success in extending the performance of the copper plant is a testament to the innovation capabilities of both companies. ”
– Vicente San Miguel Maza, Chief Technology Officer at Telefónica.
Sandalwood Partners highlighted the importance of optimising exploitation of copper plant to drive the potentially huge fixed line broadband market in India, and considers that ASSIA will be well placed to play a key role in market development in the sub continent.
[Further reference: Telefónica, AT&T, and Sandalwood Partners join current investors -- ASSIA, 26 October 2010.]
About Telefonicawatch
Report: #51
Covering: November-December 2010
Published: December 2010
Next report: January 2011
Ongoing tracking and insight into Telefónica Group; delivering valuable insight into the labyrinth that is Spain’s global telco giant.
A unique monthly report for the industry.
- Telefonicawatch is the only independent monitor of everything and anything to do with Telefonica Group, worldwide. Nothing else comes close. Thorough, impartial, accessible, and time-saving.
- Covering not just a leading European and Latin American integrated telecoms group and one of the world's top-five players and its many operating companies, but also its wider interests, including the Atento contact centre business, Vivo in Brazil, Telecom Italia, Portugal Telecom, and China Unicom.
- Our ‘watch' titles are repeatedly described by clients and end-users as the single most valuable source of third-party sales intelligence, and are considered invaluable by many high-achieving commercial teams and account directors.
- A unique source of valuable opportunities, knowledge, planning, strategy, and much more, the reports represent both tactical tool and strategic reference, providing input and even a springboard for corporate planning, reporting, and meetings.
- A ‘must-have' for sales teams focused on high-value sales, maintaining strategic relationships, and managing extended sales cycles. Just one nugget, insight, or validation can pay for the service many times over.
- Pricing is typically USD $8.2k / EUR 5.7k / UKP £5k per year for an Account Team Licence, and can be tailored to meet your specific needs and situation. Copies of individual reports are also available, priced from UKP GBP £999 (USD $1,650 / EUR 1,100). Multiple purchasing options available, including payment cards.
- Delivered electronically 10-12-plus times a year, with back issues also available, providing unparallelled reference and insight into major events, strategic initiatives, financials and KPIs.
- Contact us for further information, including samples and evaluation trial requests. info@marketmettle.com / +44-20-7183-0111.
Comments
Got something to say?
