CK Hutchison is making a third and (potentially) final set of concessions to gain EC approval for its £10.5 billion takeover of Telefonica O2 in the UK.
According to the Financial Times, the Hong Kong-based conglomerate is submitting its final proposals to the commission today.
The proposed package includes UK broadcaster Sky taking about one fifth of the combined capacity of 3/O2 UK, with Virgin Media having about one tenth.
However, the Commission is believed to want the creation of a fourth network to counterbalance the 3/O2 combination, a suggestion resisted by Hutch. So far, this difference of opinion has created an impasse.
In addition, Hutch is offering to sell its half share in Tesco Mobile owned by O2, and give the supermarket capacity on its network.
Access to networks is being offered on 10-year contracts, enabling rivals to plan their future use of capacity more efficiently.
It has also sought to assure Dixons Carphone about the potential loss of a partnership with O2 (3 tends to sell through its own stores).
The company also said it is committed to investing in two separate network-sharing arrangements, between O2/Vodafone and 3/EE.
And it committed to investing £5 billion in its mobile infrastructure, and freeze prices for five years.
Essentially, it is attempting to convince the commission that an increase in virtual and retail competition can compensate for the loss of a network-based rival.
The commission has extended its deadline for reaching a decision on the Hutch/O2 deal until 19 May.
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