Dish Network "open" to acquisition as rumors swirl on possible T-Mobile bid

Dish Network is open to a potential acquisition once it builds out its wireless telephone and entertainment businesses, president and chief executive Joe Clayton said.

"We're open to all possible options," Clayton said in response to future merger possibilities. "We could be acquired, or we could be the acquirer." The cost to protect against losses on Dish Network debt jumped on speculation that the satellite-television company may be considering a bid for T- Mobile USA. Speculation that Dish might be interested in acquiring T-Mobile has been "rather rampant," according to Dave Novosel, an analyst at bond researcher Gimme Credit LLC in Chicago. Dish could partner with T-Mobile or another wireless company to create a strengthened competitor to AT&T and Verizon Wireless, Clayton said last month. While a deal wouldn't be "inconsistent with the recent moves they've made," Novosel said, "the nature of the deal makes some sense, but the size of the deal precludes something from happening."