Lazard is providing Telenor with financial advice on its merger negotiations with TDC, the former Tele Danmark, which could lead to confirmation of a deal worth up to €18bn ($16bn) this week.

Telenor, Norway's former state owned telecommunications provider, turned to Lazard's London team of financial advisers for advice on its merger talks with TDC, its counterpart in Denmark. Sources close to the talks expect an announcement as soon as Thursday.