In the first major interview since the untimely death of its owner Petr Kellner last month, PPF Group’s new head Ladislav Bartonicek has reportedly said the company is ‘considering further acquisitions in the field of telecommunications and media’ and sees a number of opportunities to be had by buying European telecoms operators. In an interview with the newspaper Seznam Zpravy, Bartonicek noted: ‘We are considering buying more media if there is an interesting opportunity. I have to say that CME works very well. It is a good platform for us to add something to it. Because there is always the importance of having a base, know-how and people. Then everything is simpler and you have a better chance of success.’
Outlining the Group’s future strategy plans in the wake of Kellner’s tragic passing, Bartonicek pointed out that PPF’s goal is to develop its electronic media portfolio and offer more pay-TV services. ‘Our Voyo service is growing quite nicely for us and we definitely want to strengthen,’ he concluded, adding that O2 TV and Voyo will stay ‘side by side’ as they complement one another.