It has appeared that cable television operator Kbro Co. would be acquired by Taiwan Mobile Co. from Carlyle Group LP, a deal which will provide the U. S. private equity firm a 15.5% stake in the mobile phone company.

A source familiar with the deal specified that the official announcement will be made later Wednesday, and that the deal puts an estimate of $1 billion equity value on Kbro. Furthermore, it includes Taiwan Mobile assuming a further $800 million in debt.

Via this deal, Taiwan Mobile will get an opportunity to grow cross-selling between its mobile phone users and Kbro's cable subscribers, as in past few years, the two companies have developed pretty close ties, with service providers seeking to sell customers package deals.

The source said: "Carlyle will become the second biggest shareholder in Taiwan Mobile after the controlling Tsai family under the deal."

As per the Carlyle's Web site, in July 2006, control of Eastern Multimedia Co. was acquired by Carlyle Asia Partners II, a $1.8 billion fund managed by Carlyle, after which it was renamed as Kbro.

Carlyle is being advised by J. P. Morgan Chase & Co. on the deal. Earlier on Wednesday, Taiwan Mobile's deputy spokeswoman, Josephine Juan said that a proposal to acquire Kbro is being reviewed by Taiwan Mobile's board. Though she did not provide the proposed terms of the deal, she did specify that a statement will be issued by Taiwan Mobile would after the board makes a decision.