Japanese carrier SoftBank is “in advanced talks” to acquire Sprint, insiders claim, with a deal worth potentially $12.81bn apparently on the table. Full details of the negotiations have not been leaked, though the deal would undoubtedly represent a significant risk for SoftBank, the WSJ reports. The carrier currently holds the number three spot in the Japanese network leagues, though revealed a deal to acquire smaller rival eAccess for $1.84bn earlier in October.
According to Reuters, local Japanese media have described the rumored acquisition as a way for SoftBank to strengthen its position in terms of devices. Having the Sprint connection would make it cheaper for SoftBank to buy up new phones and other mobile gadgets, it’s suggested.
The Japanese market has never exactly looked poorly catered for in comparison to devices in other regions, however. One recent device included a 13.1-megapixel camera and integrated radiation-scanning functionality, for instance.
Sprint has made potential-acquisition waves in recent weeks over suggestions that it was weighing a counter-offer for MetroPCS in the US, after Germany’s Deutsche Telekom revealed plans to merge the CDMA network with its own T-Mobile USA.
SoftBank reportedly in “advanced” Sprint $12.8bn acquisition talks is written by SlashGear.
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