Orange said to work with advisers to explore European expansion

Milan: Orange SA is working with advisers to explore options for an expansion in Europe, including a potential combination with Telecom Italia SpA, people familiar with the matter said. A tie-up with Italy’s largest phone company is among several possibilities the French carrier is considering, said the people, asking not to be identified because the plan isn’t public. The deliberations are in early stages and Orange may decide against making any major strategic moves, the people said. The quest for expansion highlights the French company’s resolve to play a bigger role in Europe’s highly competitive phone market. Orange has struggled with years of waning sales and earnings in its home market as competition from lower-cost carriers has pushed call and data prices down. Representatives for Orange and Telecom Italia declined to comment.