French telecommunications companies Bouygues, Orange, and Iliad are engaged in acquisition talks for SFR, the French telecom business owned by Altice, in a deal valued at approximately €20.4 billion ($24 billion).

The discussions represent a revival of negotiations that began earlier this year. In January, the consortium of French telecom operators renewed their interest in acquiring SFR after Altice had previously rejected an earlier offer from the companies for the assets.

SFR represents a significant portion of Altice's French telecommunications operations and would mark a major consolidation move in the French telecom market if the acquisition proceeds. The deal involves multiple major players in France's telecommunications sector working together in a consortium structure.

The timing of the renewed talks suggests continued interest from the French telecom companies in reshaping the domestic market landscape. Altice's previous rejection of offers indicates the company has been selective about potential deals for its French assets.

If completed, the transaction would represent one of the largest telecommunications deals in France in recent years, significantly altering the competitive dynamics in the French telecom market.