Entrepreneur Denis O'Brien has confirmed that he is leading a consortium called e Island which has offered 2.25 billion euros for Eircom's fixed-line business.
The consortium has presented the offer to the Eircom board and has asked for talks to discuss it in more detail. Mr O'Brien today said his group's offer was 'totally independent' of any proposed deal between Eircom and British mobile giant Vodafone.
Eircom had earlier confirmed for the first time that it was in exclusive talks with Vodafone on the sale of 100% of its mobile division Eircell. Eircom also confirmed that it had received an 'indicative proposal' to acquire its fixed-line business and was seeking clarification.
Mr O'Brien told a news conference that his consortium - which also includes Leslie Buckley, Paul Connolly and Lucy Gaffney - would provide the best option for the company, with its 'unique knowledge and experience'. He also said the bid did not affect Eircom's plan to float off its multi-media business.
