June 4 (Reuters) - Network operator Vodafone Group Plc and cable telecoms company Liberty Global Plc are looking at a range of transactions including a merger,Bloomberg reported.
Vodafone's U.S.-listed shares rose 4.1 percent andLiberty's climbed 4.7 percent in extended trading on Thursday.
The potential transaction include a merger of the companies'European businesses or a series of asset swaps, Bloombergreported, citing people familiar with the matter.
The talks are at a very early stage but Liberty has "souredslightly" on the talks in recent weeks, according to Bloomberg.
Management issues including leadership of the combinedcompany and the role of Liberty Chairman John Malone poseissues, two people told Bloomberg. (http://bloom.bg/1ImyPrs)
Vodafone, the world's second-biggest mobile operator, haslong been linked with a purchase or tie-up with Liberty,Europe's largest cable operator, as the market increasinglymoves towards the combination of mobile services with fixed-linebroadband.
Vodafone declined to comment and Liberty was not immediatelyavailable for comment.
Liberty's shares closed at $54.60 and Vodafone's at $37.71on the Nasdaq on Thursday. (Reporting By Arathy S Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by MajuSamuel)
Vodafone (VOD)
