TOP NEWS IN TMT
* Private equity firms KKR & Co. Inc., Global Infrastructure Management LLC and Stonepeak Partners LP jointly bid for a controlling stake in Deutsche Telekom AG's towers business, Bloomberg News reported, citing sources. The companies are reportedly competing with a consortium comprising Brookfield Asset Management Inc. and Spain's Cellnex Telecom SA. The tower unit is valued at €20 billion.
* Spanish competition regulator CNMC launched disciplinary proceedings against Telefónica SA for allegedly breaching its reporting obligations and failing to comply with an offered commitment related to its completed M&A of DTS Distribuidora de Televisión Digital SA. The regulator will have up to three months to investigate and resolve the case.
➤ News: Italy pushes for single fiber network infrastructure approach
The Italian government hopes a plan to create one fiber network structure will accelerate the country's buildout, incentivizing two companies to join forces in hard-to-reach rural regions. Critics argue it may slow current projects.
➤ Economics of TV & Film: KBOX Week 24: Dinos and jets lead 2022 box office to its biggest week
It is certainly starting to feel like a normal summer box office season with three major blockbuster films taking up space in theaters across the country. Total week 24 box office was $279.7 million, making it the highest weekly haul of 2022.
TECHNOLOGY
* Google LLC's Russian subsidiary filed for bankruptcy with Moscow's arbitration court, Interfax reported, citing a Google spokesperson and the arbitration case database. This came after the Russian government froze the Alphabet Inc. unit's bank account, making it difficult for the company to meet its financial obligations. However, free Google services such as Google Search, YouTube, Gmail, Maps and Google Play will remain accessible in Russia.
* French IT company Atos SE said CFO Stéphane Lhopiteau will depart in the second half of 2022 and will be succeeded by Deputy CFO Nathalie Sénéchault.
* Cisco Systems Inc. intends to wrap up all operations related to its departure from Russia by July 4, Telecompaper reported, citing Cnews.ru. The U.S.-based company paused its Russian business operations in March.
* Wojciech Wiewiórowski, the European Data Protection Supervisor, said cross-border Big Tech privacy investigations should be steered by EU regulators such as the European Data Protection Board, instead of national agencies, Reuters reported.
* Sweden-based vertical market software developer Vitec Software Group AB agreed to acquire all shares in Danish software company Scanrate Financial Systems A/S for an undisclosed sum.
* The European Commission adopted a €2.2 billion partnership agreement with Sweden for the 2021-2027 period, covering multiple development goals including support for the country's green and digital transition.
* The U.K. Competition and Markets Authority commissioned research into the purchasing behavior in the U.K. smartphone market as part of the regulator's market study on mobile ecosystems.
INTERNET & OTT
* Belgium's Telenet Group Holding NV increased its subscription rates for internet, TV and telephony by 4.70%, effective June 19, Trends reported.
MEDIA
* Sweden's Modern Times Group MTG AB completed the share exchange of the shares it did not previously own of MTG Gaming AB held by Ehm Holding Gmbh. Modern Times Group's board decided to launch a new share repurchase program, with a goal to repurchase shares for up to 200 million Swedish kronor between June 20 and Oct. 20.
* The Belgian Data Protection Authority imposed a €50,000 fine on media group Rossel et Cie SA for incorrect adherence to the General Data Protection Regulation, according to DataNews.
* Swedish distribution company Scanbox Entertainment Sweden Ab secured exclusive rights to distribute French company Studiocanal S.A.'s upcoming cinema, TV and streaming productions in the Nordics. Vivendi SE owns Studiocanal.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
* French mobile operator Bouygues Telecom SA signed a strategic partnership with Ericsson for the delivery of the latter's 5G Stand-alone connectivity to benefit consumer, enterprise and industry customers of the French telco. The partnership aims to boost the Bouygues SA unit's digitalization drive in France.
* Telia Norge AS and Telia Co. AB unit Phonero were chosen as providers of telephony services to 34 municipalities and 33 municipal enterprises in Rogaland and Vestland counties in Norway.
* The U.K. Supreme Court dismissed Royal Mail PLC's appeal against Ofcom's 2018 decision to fine £50 million for breaching competition law. The company is now liable to pay the fine to Ofcom, including interest and legal costs.
* Telecom customers must be given clearer and simpler information before they sign up for a new plan, effective June 17, according to new rules framed by Ofcom. The U.K. regulator also introduced rules whereby British sign language users can contact the emergency services via a video call, effective June 17.
* The shareholders of Slovenian telco Telekom Slovenije d d will distribute €29.2 million in dividends, or €4.50 gross per share, payable Aug. 2, Telecompaper reported.
FILM & TV
* Portugal's SPORT TV Portugal SA renewed its broadcasting partnership with the National Basketball Association until 2025, Telecompaper reported, citing Record.
* Spain's major broadcasters warned that a possible digital terrestrial television migration from the 470 MHz-694 MHz frequency bands may cause a "grave alteration" in the TV market's competition rules, Advanced Television reported.
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Frances Espeso, Anne Freier, Sylvia Edwards Davis, Charlotte van Hek and Esben Svendsen contributed to this report.
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