If VIA.Net Works is unable to find financing, its hosting operation would likely be of interest to competitors. VIA says its hosting unit is profitable, while its losses are focused in its legacy businesses (including Internet access) and VIA Express, a new initiative featuring low-margin products and services.

The deal is the latest in a merger-filled year for the European hosting market. In 2004 deals, Freenet bought Tect’s hosting operation, Host Europe PLC was bought by Pipex, NetBenefit bought London-based rival Easily Ltd., and Lycos Europe bought United-Domains of Munich. That’s in addition to VIA.Net Works’ purchases of PSINet Europe and Amen, which now face the potential to have their third owner in less than a year.