Plans by NTL Inc to emulate Cable and Wireless Plc and consolidate some of the smaller players in the UK cable business appear in doubt. Telewest Communications Plc, which said it was in the early stages of discussing a merger with NTL a few weeks ago (CI No 3,218), claims talks are still continuing. But talks between NTL and General Cable Plc, which were also underway, appear to have broken down. Both deals foundered over the price, according to a report in the Financial Times. Telewest is the second largest cable operator in the UK after Cable and Wireless Communications – the result of a four way merger earlier this year, while General Cable currently holds fourth place. NTL, a New York, Nasdaq listed company which regards the UK as a key market, has sixth place.
