Is Embarq ready to make M&A moves?

Qwest and Windstream have been the companies most mentioned recently when talking M&A, as their CEOs, Edward Mueller and Jeff Gardner respectively, have told investors consolidation and acquisition is on their radar, especially deals for smaller, regional carriers.

You might want to add Embarq to the list of hunter/gatherers.

Rookie CEO Tom Gerke-who cut his teeth as a corporate mergers attorney-told the Kansas City Star in an article this week that "We must make sure we execute so we control our own destiny. If you are not performing, it gives people the opportunity to come in and control your destiny."

Kansas--at Embarq's request--passed legislation earlier this year that streamlines state regulatory approval to prevent delays in any mergers or acquisitions.

It "will allow Kansas companies like Embarq to respond more quickly and efficiently to opportunities that may present themselves from time to time," according to a written statement Embarq issued when asked about the measure.

Stay tuned.

For more:
- See this Kansas City Star story [1] on Gerke and Embarq

Related articles:
Will FairPoint start selling properties? FairPoint report [2]
Windstream hinted earlier this year that it's ready to get in the the M&A fray Windstream report [3]
Analysts want Qwest to move on M&As Qwest report [4]