The takeover by Liberty Global of Kabel Deutschland, according to the cartel office of Germany, would be more complicated compared to the pending acquisition of Vodafone from an anti-trust point of view.

Vodafone had agreed to purchase the biggest cable operator in Germany for Eur7.7 billion or US$10.1 billion. The British firm beat out US compaby Liberty Global but may return later to make another, albeit more lucrative bid.

Last Monday, the Newbury, UK based firm had announced that it would be paying Eur87 per share in cash for the group. The said bid was 'to acquire all shares in Kabel Deutschland Holding AG by way of a voluntary public takeover offer.'

For its part, the board of directors of Kabel Deutschland would be recommending the Vodafone deal to its stockholders. This was confirmed by both companies through separate statements.

The complication arises from Liberty Global's ownership of the second biggest cable operator in Germany, Unity Media KabelBW.