Joint Statement from Leading Telecom Operators
Bouygues Telecom, Free-iliad Group, and Orange have publicly acknowledged the Altice group's decision to reject their joint non-binding acquisition offer aimed at expanding their telecom activities. Despite this setback, the three telecom leaders remain optimistic and committed to their vision for enhancing the telecommunications landscape.
The Significance of the Proposed Acquisition
The joint bid submitted by Bouygues, Free-iliad, and Orange was designed to benefit the competitive balance within the telecom sector. The operators believe their plan would create a more balanced marketplace, offering consumers increased choices and fostering further investments in national telecom infrastructure. They are determined to work collaboratively to enhance the services provided to both customers and stakeholders.
Dialogue and Future Engagement
Recognizing the potential benefits of their proposal, Bouygues Telecom, Free-iliad Group, and Orange expressed a desire to engage in constructive discussions with the Altice group. They are keen to explore avenues for advancing their plans, believing that through dialogue, mutual benefits could be achieved for all parties involved.
About the Telecom Leaders
Orange Overview: Orange is a prominent telecommunications operator with a revenue exceeding €40 billion and a robust workforce of over 124,000 employees globally. By mid-2025, the company proudly served approximately 300 million customers, reflecting its extensive reach across numerous countries. Orange also holds a significant position in offering telecom services to multinational enterprises, enhancing its reputation as a reliable global leader in the telecommunications market.
Commitment to Innovation
Orange's commitment to innovation is exemplified through its advanced services that cater to diverse customer needs, ensuring a blend of accessibility and cutting-edge technology.
Free-iliad Group: Established as a key player in the telecommunications industry, the Free-iliad Group has revolutionized the market with its innovative offerings. Serving over 51 million subscribers across Europe, the Group successfully integrates fixed and mobile telecommunications. As of mid-2025, it reported significant growth, consolidating its status as a top-tier operator and marking its presence in international markets.
Bouygues Telecom: As a subsidiary of the Bouygues Group, Bouygues Telecom excels in providing comprehensive digital communication solutions. With a remarkable customer base of 27.1 million mobile subscribers and 5.3 million fixed-line customers, Bouygues Telecom is dedicated to delivering high-quality, fast, and secure telecommunication services. Their ongoing investment in infrastructure ensures that they remain at the forefront of the market.
Press Contact Information
For inquiries about Bouygues Telecom, please reach out to:
Maylis Carçabal: mca@bouygues.com - +33 (0)6 63 59 87 05
For inquiries regarding the Free-iliad Group, contact:
Isabelle Audap: presse@iliad.fr - +33 (0)6 33 47 09 57
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of the joint acquisition bid?
The bid aimed to strengthen competition within the telecom market, benefiting consumers through improved services and infrastructure investments.
Who are the companies involved in the bid?
Bouygues Telecom, Free-iliad Group, and Orange are the three telecom companies that submitted the joint acquisition offer.
What are the next steps for the telecom operators?
They plan to engage in constructive dialogue with the Altice group to explore future possibilities relating to their project.
How does Orange contribute to the telecommunications market?
As a leading operator, Orange provides a vast range of services to millions of customers and businesses across the globe, positioning itself as a reliable partner in telecommunications.
What innovations does the Free-iliad Group bring to the industry?
The Free-iliad Group is known for its pioneering solutions and competitive pricing, making significant impacts in the markets it operates within.
