i was wondering if anyone out there had any strong views? this company appears to be delivering and has just turned EBITA positive after a great trading statement last week. seems like upside to +200p once results are out.

any comments or thoughts would be appreciated.

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13 October 2005 Prev | Index

BSkyB billion pound bond ambition to buy into broadband
UK satellite broadcaster BSkyB is considering raising up to a billion pounds in a bond issue, with reports that it could be used to buy into the broadband market.

BSkyB is not making any comment on the use for the funds, which it says are for general corporate purposes, but a spokesman confirmed we plan to continue to set the pace of change in media and distribution, including initiatives such as our broadband content portal, our mobile offering and our high definition television offering.

A report in the Guardian newspaper suggests that the company could use the money to buy into broadband, possibly by acquiring a broadband service provider, enabling it to offer a triple-play of video, voice and data services.

The report speculates that potential acquisition targets could include Homechoice, which provides a broadband television service in the London area and is looking to roll out a national service. Other broadband suppliers such as Easynet and Pipex are also cited as possible targets. Sky is said to be planning to invest in installing its own equipment in telephone exchanges, a process known as local loop unbundling.

Sky had previously made an offer of over 1 billion for Flextech, the programming division of Telewest, although the company is apparently no longer for sale following the announced plans for a merger of Telewest with NTL.

With the possibility of greater competition from a single cable company, and BT planning to offer its own video-on-demand service, Sky must certainly be considering its options. Broadband provides the ability to offer true video-on-demand, integrated telephony, high-speed internet access, enhanced interactive services, and the opportunity to extend its service to homes without satellite dishes.

The forthcoming high-definition set-top box that Sky will launch next year is expected to come equipped with a network connection.

Article in the Telegraph re possible Sky takeover:

Sky declares war on cable firms with Easynet takeover
By Andrew Murray-Watson (Filed: 16/10/2005)


British Sky Broadcasting will this week announce a takeover of Easynet, the listed telecoms company, in a move that signals the start of a more aggressive battle against its cable TV rivals.

The acquisition - at a price of up to 150m - represents Sky's first step towards becoming a major force in the UK internet arena and makes the broadcaster a direct rival in the broadband market to the likes of BT, AOL and Wanadoo.


The takeover of Easynet will also allow Sky to offer a "triple play" of pay-TV, broadband internet and telephone services to its customer base, which is expected to total 8m subscribers by the end of the year.

Telegraph

Googling throws up quite a few other artilces on this issue, but they mainly just quote the Telegraph's piece.

saw it everywhere as well. i have my smallest position in 2 years but at least i have some! typical.

My estimates is 125-130p bid so will open tomorrow about 110-115p waiting for the announcement. a good chance that there will be a competing bidder though which could push the price closer to 150p...my fancy is Wanadoo (Orange). Nothing like an approach to get some other punters to act.

speak later

rgds
PT

Well done prop could this be the end,for easynet !!

had to happen didn't it- alk next?.

Happy days here today anyway! I wonder if any others will now show their hand after todays news? It even got a mention on CNBC late this afternoon.

france tel...your move.

There we have it. 1.75 in cash, good deal if you ask me.

Well done Easynet and well done proptrade for keeping the thread going all this time.

capa

Closed everything and completely out now. Very happy with this mornings news and the price. Thanks for bringing this one to my attention last year Prop. Will definitely be a few drinks tonight, any excuse!

well guys, it has been fun on the thread, sporadic, but fun.

i am about to give those lovely spread bet guys my stock straight between the eyes. if there is a counterbid, who cares i am well well ahead. this is a great price and a respectable one which i think knocks out any rivals. we all knew this was a winner but it took time to work out.

the irony is that i have my smallest position in this name for 2 years but you know what, i am a delighted...i could have been all out!

drinks indeed and capa thx for saying thx!

gavdfc...what's next? (I had a touch yerterday in ARX and think it may go further after raising cash??)

good luck and goodnight ESY

Rgds
PT

Indeed the thread has been fun, and we have had a bumpy ride along the way but I am extremely happy with the outcome. Been some decent trading opportunities along the way also.

Even if there was a counterbid then I am still well up so happy with that. Would rather take profits now than hang around and see what happens. Could be interesting though if someone was to come in and offer more.

Noticed the ARX news yesterday but it's not really a company I follow closely. All I've really been buying lately is AEX, well worth a look IMO, but not for a quick punt, am in for the long haul. Holding some cash right now also as wanting to see what happens with the oils, will probably be looking to top up some holdings soon. Been doing a bit of FX trading of late, but only on a small scale. Have you been looking at anything lately?

Cheers

Gav

PT, haven't posted much but like others I guess accumulated these sub on the way down. Like you I sold some at 1.22p , but pleased I kept the rest for today's announcement. Volume and price of trades suggest that there will be no counterbid as BskyB are probably mopping up the shares being sold imo.

canary9 - one of the keen follower non posters!

happy that you have been involved. key in this markets it is imprtant to hold the great stories and even better management.

At the moment i like CBM, CSB, ARX (punt but i like the risk reward) and SEY. All great management teams and proven records.

Rgds
CP

Take a look at COH Prop if you like the long term...

I am poster number 600, and I did not hold.

Well done you lot, I often looked in but did not buy.

Another time perhaps another share definitely.

600

.

thx SWW