‘No’ to Yes merger plan

Chris Forrester

Israeli telco Bezeq cannot increase its stake in DTH pay-TV operator Yes. The Israel Supreme Court ruled that Bezeq's existing 49.8% stake in Yes cannot be increased.

Bezeq had wanted to increase its holdings to 58%, but the Court recognised submissions from the country's anti-trust commissioners, as well as from Yes minority shareholder (30%) Eurocom.

There remains a possibility that Eurocom could now launch a counter-bid. Meanwhile, Bezeq is expected to continue building out its nationwide IPTV system.