May 19 (Reuters) - A merger with Vodafone Group Plc would be a "great fit" for Liberty Global Plc inwestern Europe, Liberty Chairman John Malone said on Tuesday.
Citing the benefits of a merger in markets such as Germany,the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, Malone said "enormousshareholder value" could be created if a deal was worked out.
"We've looked at that from our side and there would be verysubstantial synergies if we could find a way to work together orcombine the companies with respect to western Europe," Malonetold Bloomberg in a telephone interview.
He declined to comment on whether the companies are intalks.
Vodafone posted a rise in quarterly sales for the first timein nearly three years on Tuesday in the clearest sign yet thatEurope's mobile market is edging towards recovery.
Vodafone was reviewing potential acquisitions, includingLiberty Global, in November, Reuters reported, citing fivepeople close to the matter.
Vodafone, John Malone, and Liberty Global could notimmediately be reached for comment. (Reporting by Ismail Shakil in Bengaluru. Editing by AndreGrenon)
Vodafone (VOD)