More Telecom, Media M&A on Cards Inspired by AT&T-Time Warner

AT&T Inc.’s now vindicated takeover of Time Warner may inspire other phone and media companies to follow suit as Silicon Valley threatens both industries.

“If the telecom industry is under pressure, media is even more so,” said Fede Membrillera, head of corporate finance at boutique advisory firm Delta Partners on the sidelines of MWC Barcelona, the telecom industry’s biggest gathering, this week. “Despite some question marks around ability to deliver on the promise, we expect to see transactions where telecom companies acquire or merge with media groups.”

AT&T completed its $85 billion purchase of Time Warner last year, adding a ...