People familiar with the carrier’s thinking told the Wall Street Journal that the carrier is assessing targets and a deal could come before the end of the year.
Potential markets where AT&T could look to acquire an operator include the UK, Germany and the Netherlands, according to the sources.
Targets are likely to include France Telecom and Deutsche Telekom JV Everything Everywhere and Dutch carrier KPN.
AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson’s close relationship with Carlos Slim, owner of América Móvil, could make a deal to acquire KPN more likely as the Mexican tycoon drummed up a 28% stake in the Dutch carrier last year.
Telefónica’s local operations in the UK and Germany would also not be ruled out given that the carrier has recently been looking to reduce its debt through asset sales.
