"Despite Sunrise's unacceptable behaviour, Freenet and its representatives are still available for constructive dialogue in the interests of Sunrise, existing shareholders and Freenet. However, we will consider all legal and commercial ways and means to fend off damage to Freenet and existing shareholders and to seize opportunities...", it said in a statement.

Sunrise on Thursday escalated its defence of its planned 6.3 billion Swiss franc (£5.2 billion) takeover of UPC, saying it had found new synergies and could cut a planned rights issue to fund the deal that Freenet has criticised. Freenet said many investors and analysts shared its view.

(Reporting by Michael Shields; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)