I agree, Internode is a great business and IINet have similarities in terms of quality product/loyal customer base.
I'm not sure about TPG takeover however as TPG operates on cost while IINet operates on customer service.
Obviously successfully combining both TPG and IINet could seriously challenge Telstra so would only be a good thing.
However I think if TPG took over IINet, their niche of customer service could be overlooked for cost (ie getting rid of Australian call centres and have them in Manila? instead) and they could lose customers that way as well.
I'm sure Mr Teoh is more cluey but I don't know what his strategy is, if in fact he does make a play for IINet down the road.
Just my thoughts.
IIN Price at posting:
$2.96 Sentiment: LT Buy Disclosure: Held