European telecom groups line up deals in hope of looser merger rules

European telecoms are pursuing mergers with hopes that new EU competition chief Teresa Ribera will relax merger regulations. Companies like Telenor and Telefónica are considering acquisitions, citing the challenge of market fragmentation in Europe, which has 41 mobile operators. While Ribera aims to factor in innovation and social goals in merger decisions, there are concerns from consumer organizations about potential negative impacts on prices and services, indicating a cautious approach to any changes in competition policy.

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