Blackstone Explores Potential Joint Bid for Drahi’s SFR

Blackstone Inc. is considering teaming up on a bid for billionaire Patrick Drahi’s French telecom operator SFR, which is considering a sale at a valuation of as much as €30 billion ($35 billion) including debt, according to people familiar with the matter.

The New York-based firm has been in early discussions with other potential suitors including SFR competitors as it evaluates the merits of a deal, the people said. Blackstone is likely to team up with another bidder as a financing partner in a deal to buy the Altice France SA-owned carrier, said the people, who asked not to be identified as the information is private.