Mario Gabelli Comments on Liberty Global plc

Author's Avatar
Mar 12, 2015

Liberty Global plc (0.2%, 0.8%) (LBTYK – $48.31 – NASDAQ, LBTYA – $50.21 – NASDAQ) is the leading international cable operator, offering advanced video, telephone, and broadband internet services. The company operates broadband communications networks in 14 countries, principally located in Europe under the brands UPC, Unitymedia (Germany), Virgin (UK), Telenet (Belgium), and VTR (Chile). As part of its June 2013 acquisition of Virgin Media, Liberty Global redomiciled in the UK, increasing its strategic flexibility in the future. The company is internationally focused and well positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for digital television, broadband internet, and digital telephony services in markets across its diverse geographic footprint. The company closed its acquisition of Netherlands cable operator Ziggo, among its largest to date, in November 2014. In an effort to surface additional value, in early 2015 Liberty Global is expected to issue a stock tracking its Latin American operations.

From Mario Gabelli (Trades, Portfolio)’s Asset Fund Q4 2014 Commentary.