Apparently, our shirt sponsor O2, has been the subject of takeover talks. In fact, Dutch telecom company, KPN, made a bid that was rejected today. It's expected that they'll be making another. It was also discussed that BT may decide to buy O2 back, but the likelihood of that was considered much lower than that of the KPN takeover. So, will we see KPN grace the new shirts next season?
I doubt it. I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing O2 operate in England only, so KPN would be buying them to target consumers in England, and wouldn't change the name of the company.
Of course, if KPN are trying to become a european brand and expand all over western europe, then yes, we would see KPN on our shirts next year if they buy O2.
Actually, I would expect the jersey sponsorship deal to end if O2 were acquired. There are usually "out" clauses in these contracts based on other events like relegation, bankruptcy, etc...
O2 don't just operate in England, so that's not a worry. As for outs, there's a good chance that there isn't one, or that the new company wouldn't want to take it, especially if we win some silverware this year.
I heard about this on Five Live, and apparently the reason KPN is so interested in O2 is in order to get a foothold in the German market. Apparently, O2 is number four in Germany right now, and KPN is looking to take advantage of that.
It all depends on whether KPN keeps O2 as a brand or merges it into their own identity. When is the O2 sponsorship contract up?