BT Rivals Threaten Legal Fight Over TalkTalk Rescue Bid

BT's broadband competitors warned of a legal battle if ministers allow the former state monopoly to acquire troubled TalkTalk, Britain's fourth-largest broadband provider with about 1.5 million customers. Industry executives cited potential competition rule breaches after BT CEO Allison Kirkby held talks with Whitehall officials this week seeking assurances her company would avoid an in-depth regulatory investigation. Vodafone, Virgin Media O2, Sky and CityFibre are preparing major opposition to any BT clearance, arguing viable commercial bidders remain. TalkTalk owes BT over £100 million, complicating rescue efforts. Private equity firm Epiris, bidding for TalkTalk's wholesale arm PXC, has asked BT to waive those payments and grant a three-month holiday, per Sky News. Openreach cannot legally waive fees without Ofcom approval. Ares Management, TalkTalk's largest lender, is now favored to take its consumer unit via pre-pack administration. TalkTalk's debt has grown to £1.4 billion. BT, TalkTalk, Ofcom and the Government declined to comment.