Kabel Deutschland abandons Tele Columbus appeal

Kabel Deutschland has abandoned its appeal against the German Federal Cartel Office, the Bundeskartellamt’s blocking of its acquisition of smaller cable operator Tele Columbus.

According to Reuters, Kabel Deutschland took the decision because it does not want to be involved in a protracted legal battle following its acquisition by Vodafone.

The acquisition of Tele Columbus was blocked earlier this year by the Cartel Office on the grounds tht it would have an adverse effect on competition, particularly in the housing association supply market in eastern Germany.

The Bundeskartellamt ruled that KDG’s proposed €618 million takeover of Tele Columbus could only be approved if it sold off 60% of its networks in eastern Germany, something the cable operator found unacceptable.

Kabel Deutschland in March filed a complaint challenging the decision, which was passed to the Supreme Administrative Court of Düsseldorf.