The takeover of La Poste Mobile by Bouygues Telecom, finalized for nearly one billion euros, marks an important step in the consolidation of the telecommunications market in France. The operator integrates 2.4 million new subscribers and opens up to a unique distribution network.
A buyout with a strong impact on the market
Bouygues Telecom has confirmed that it has completed the acquisition of La Poste Mobile for an amount of 950 million euros. This strategic operation, announced in February and validated in July by the Competition Authority, allows Bouygues to significantly strengthen its mobile subscriber base, which increases from 15.8 to 18 million customers.
In addition to subscribers, Bouygues Telecom also includes the 400 employees of La Poste Mobile, as well as La Poste's vast physical distribution network, made up of 7,000 offices across France. Benoît Torloting, CEO of Bouygues Telecom, welcomed the union of two brands sharing “ strong values: proximity, know-how and agility ».
Current La Poste Mobile customers should not be affected in the short term. Their contracts will remain unchanged, and a gradual transfer of SIM cards is planned from the second half of 2025.
The acquisition was not without obstacles. SFR, which rents its network to La Poste Mobile and had a right of veto over the operation, has long been reluctant to sell its share in the company. Finally, an agreement was reached, thanks to a “considerably improved” offer from Bouygues Telecom.
A consolidation that is reshaping the telecom landscape
According to sources cited by Le FigaroSFR will receive around 575 million euros, or 27 times the 2023 operating profit of La Poste Mobile. Bouygues has also agreed to improve the conditions of use of the SFR network by 50% for the next two years.
For Bouygues Telecom, this investment represents an ambitious bet, with the operator spending 44 times the operating profit of La Poste Mobile. However, this acquisition could pay off in the long term, notably thanks to the expanded subscriber base and the commercial potential of post offices.
With this acquisition, Bouygues Telecom confirms its external growth strategy in an increasingly competitive market. The operator is now getting closer to SFR in terms of subscriber base, while strengthening its distribution capacity.
For SFR, the operation provides a welcome injection of liquidity, but reduces its commercial power. Time will tell whether this agreement will fully benefit both parties, as Bouygues Telecom prepares to integrate a brand and services which will have to coexist harmoniously with its current portfolio.
