It was reported on Thursday that AT&T Inc. (T) has been searching for a substantial European telecom acquisition in an attempt to improve its presence abroad.

The Dallas, Texas-based company is looking to improve its wireless reach and upgrade its network to draw in more customers. If a deal does occur it could happen by the end of the year.

Some of the markets that AT&T is looking at include the UK, Netherlands, and Germany.

However, AT&T has already faced regulatory pressure for anti-trust issues in its failed attempt to purchase T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telekom back in 2010. If At&T were to propose a deal to acquire an European telecom, it is assumed that the company will face the same scrutiny from European regulators.

AT&T shares were flat during pre-market trading on Thursday. The stock is up +10.61% over the past year.

The Bottom Line
We have been recommending shares of AT&T (T) since Mar.12, 2009, when the stock was trading at $23.35. The company has a 5.41% dividend yield, based on last night’s closing stock price of $33.26.

AT&T Inc. (T) is recommended at this time, holding a Dividend.com DARS™ Rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the Best Dividend Stocks, as well as a detailed explanation of our ratings system here.