Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction

[Noreen]

Vodafone has done an about-face on its ambition to acquire Tiscali's broadband punters, according to a report.

The mobile operator's lack of a sizeable UK fixed-line broadband business had put it in the lead to acquire Tiscali's two million British subscribers, but the Financial Times today reckons it won't happen...............

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/06/19/voda_tiscali_auction/

[Rik]

Perhaps the potential buyers have finally realised the reputation Tiscali have? 

[Noreen]

This is the FT news item http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/41197386-3da3-11dd-bbb5-0000779fd2ac.html?nclick_check=1

[Rik]

BSkyB, Carphone and Wind declined to comment. Swisscom could not be reached.

Wonderful when you can't reach a comms company.

[Noreen]

Wouldn't it be funny (and embarrassing) if in the end nobody wanted to buy it.

[Rik]

I'd find it hilarious.

[Lance]

It is of course, quite possible 

[Sebby]

I think someone could turn Tiscali around, but given its size and reputation, it's got to be a huge task.

[Tacitus]

I think someone could turn Tiscali around, but given its size and reputation, it's got to be a huge task.

I think you may have hit the nail on the head.  The buying spree that saw Tiscali take over various ISPs has left someone with the problem of integrating not only the networks, but the back office stuff as well.  Given the current shambles, maybe they baulked at the amount of effort and probably money, involved. 

Looked at like that, best to walk away.  I'm inclined to think anyone who buys it needs their head examined, unless they get it at a ridiculously low price.

[Rik]

Well, my offer of £1 still stands.

[madasahatter]

Well, my offer of £1 still stands.

I'll go to £1.50 

[Rik]

Splashing the cash, eh, Mad?

[Tacitus]

To be honest I think Vodaphone would be better having a go at Zen or a similar sized company.  Medium sized with a good rep and just starting with LLU.  They could build on that the same as O2 have done with Be.

Vodaphone aren't short of a bob and provided they kept the rate of expansion reasonable, it would be cheaper in the long run as well as consuming less management time on integration problems.

[Rik]

I'd agree, Tac. I don't feel that IDNet are big enough yet for someone like Vodafone to take an interest... I hope. 

[madasahatter]

Splashing the cash, eh, Mad?

Yeah - bit reckless eh? 

[Rik]

Especially with all that belt tightening...

[Tacitus]

I'd agree, Tac. I don't feel that IDNet are big enough yet for someone like Vodafone to take an interest... I hope. 

On the other hand I know from when I was involved in motor racing, there's an awful lot of deals hatched in the paddock.....   

[very tongue in cheek...]

[Rik]

I didn't know paddocks had hatches!

[Lance]

Maybe us IDNetters could form a consortium and put an offer forward for Tiscali! 

[Sebby]

You're on your own, Lance.

[David]

Maybe us IDNetters could form a consortium and put an offer forward for Tiscali! 

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[Rik]

Maybe us IDNetters could form a consortium and put an offer forward for Tiscali! 

I'm all in favour. £2.50 and then we wind it up. 

[David]

Thats the secret !it needs winding up....will it work then Rik 

[Rik]

As well as it does now, David.

[David]

How do you think existing subscribers will make out I really am glad Im no longer there but with all this hanging over them it cant be stress free as they are powerless,they could end up better off,but what real protection would they have....ie could Tiscali pull the plug.it is not probable but possible...stranger things have happened,I know its not likely but from what I have read its not exactly profitable this part of it.....
Cant be a picnic for the existing customers