05/09/2001

BT split set to take place in November

British Telecom has set Monday November 19 as the date it will split the company into two separate entities - BT and O2.

Shares in the demerged mobile phone arm ‘O2’ - formerly BT Wireless - will begin trading on that date, and investors may be encouraged to find that BT has put £500 million of its debts into the mobile business, less than had been expected.

The struggling telecoms giant announced its plan to split into two firms in May, as part of a plan to cut debt and revive its fortunes. Analysts believe the new company will be worth around £15 billion.

Shareholders are due to meet in October to formally approve the split.

BT revealed earlier in the week that it was to rename its BT Wireless mobile phone business 'O2'. The name change will eventually spell the end for the variety of brands currently controlled by the BT Wireless group. These include Cellnet in the UK and Digifone in the Republic of Ireland.

BT's mobile phone internet portal Genie will also be relabelled under the new name. (MB)

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