(Telecompaper) Hutchison Whampoa, which owns mobile operator Three UK, is preparing a bid for mobile operators EE or O2, currently in exploratory talks about selling their operations to BT, several people familiar with the matter told Reuters. Hutchison could make an offer for either company by the end of the year, as BT is expected to decide on a deal within weeks. Hutchison, which according to the sources is working on the deal with a consultancy, was not available to comment. Telefonica, which wants to sell O2 to repay debt, could sell to Hutchison if a deal with BT falls through. O2, valued at GBP 9.4 billion, would also be less expensive than EE, at EUR 22 billion.