KPN says not in merger talks with Telefonica

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Dutch telecoms group KPN (KPN.AS)KPN.N said on Friday it was not in merger talks with Spain's Telefonica (TEF.MC) after market talk over a takeover had boosted KPN's shares.

"We are not in talks with Telefonica," a KPN spokesman said.

By 1051 GMT, KPN shares were still up 3.7 percent at 12.79 euros after touching 13.51 euros earlier in the session.

KPN has repeatedly been the subject of takeover speculation, particularly after the Dutch state gave up its "golden share" in 2005 that would have allowed it to block takeovers and sold its remaining holding stake in 2006.

KPN and Telefonica called off a planned merger in 2000.

(Reporting by Niclas Mika)