FRANKFURT/BRUSSELS, Dec 12 (Reuters) - EU antitrustregulators will open an in-depth probe into Telefonica's proposed 8.6 billion euro ($11.9 billion)takeover of KPN's German unit next week, three peoplefamiliar with the matter said on Thursday.
The European Commision will reject a German request toexamine a deal that will reduce the number of mobile telecomsoperators in Europe's biggest market from four to three, theyadded.
Telefonica announced the deal in July, which will broadlyput it on an equal footing with market leaders Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone.