Swiss firm makes bid for Eircom

EIRCOM is expected to throw open its books to Swisscom within days after the Swiss fixed-line leader emerged as the mystery bidder for the company last night.

Sources close to the deal said talks between the two companies were still at an early stage, but that Swisscom would soon begin an analysis of Eircom’s finances.

Swisscom’s interest is understood to be tentative, however, as it is also examining other potential acquisition targets in Europe. It has previously been linked with fixed-line operators in Denmark, Austria and the Czech Republic and recently concluded a deal with a broadcasting company in Hungary.