Deutsche Telekom sees 3 percent growth in core 2019 earnings

BONN, Germany (Reuters) - Deutsche Telekom forecast that revenues and core earnings would continue to grow in 2019 as Chief Executive Tim Hoettges looks to close a key U.S. merger and invests to acquire spectrum and roll out 5G services.

Europe's leading mobile operator said on Thursday it expected adjusted earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation after leases (EBITDA) to grow by 3 percent this year to 23.9 billion euros (20.8 billion pounds).

(Reporting by Arno Schuetze; editing by Thomas Seythal)