Alcatel-Lucent is undergoing a takeover by Nokia Networks in a €15.6 billion deal due to complete on July 15, and Combes will allegedly make the move to Altice later in September this year.
Alcatel-Lucent would not confirm or deny Combes’ move to Altice – Reuters reports – but it did verify that Combes would be stepping down from his role at Alcatel-Lucent as part of the Nokia deal.
Altice is also yet to comment but it is thought that Combes will be responsible for the development of the company’s activity across Europe.
Patrick Drahi-owned Altice has been focussing on expansion in the US this year, and in May, acquired a majority stake in US cable firm Suddenlink.
With Combes steering Altice’s European operations, the company would be well-placed to further its efforts in the US and meet Drahi’s future target for Altice to earn half of its revenue in the US.