Tycoon Drahi Said to Prepare for Bouygues Telecom Takeover

Cable billionaire Patrick Drahi’s Altice SA is stepping up plans for a potential takeover of mobile carrier Bouygues Telecom, setting the stage for more consolidation in France’s telecommunications industry, according to people familiar with the matter.

Drahi’s media and telecom group is examining the financial and regulatory obstacles to a transaction with France’s third-largest wireless provider, and advisers to the two companies have held informal discussions about a potential deal, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing a private matter. Altice believes a transaction is feasible and could pass muster with authorities and French politicians, they said. No formal offer has been made and Altice could still decide against proceeding with a bid, they said.