Liberty Surf could shut UK operation

European internet service provider Liberty Surf is considering closing down its UK operation in a bid to save money.

The ISP may cease all its non-French operations which include the UK as well as Sweden, Spain and Norway, according to French newspaper Les Echos. Liberty Surf has since confirmed the report.

The ISP, which closed offices in Denmark and the Netherlands in June, said on Wednesday that it was holding partnership talks with various companies. The closures would improve the company's chances of finding a buyer for itself, reports Les Echos.

Last year Liberty Surf, which is owned by Kingfisher and Europ@web, the Bernard Arnault internet investment company, announced increasing losses and saw a fall in its share price.

Pierre Besnainou, Liberty Surf chairman, told AFX News: "It is true that we are studying this possibility, which is linked to the future of our capital structure."