Czech it out

Telecommunications International, Feb, 2005

Ten companies are still in the running to acquire a 51.1 per cent stake in Cesky Telecom, according to press reports. Belgacom, France Telecom, Swisscom, TDC, Telefonica and Vodafone are among those that are said to have requested the information memorandum. Potential financial investors are: Blackstone/CVC/ Providence, Citigroup Venture Capital, PPF and SPO Partners.

Telenor and Telia-Sonera are reported to have decided not to proceed with the preliminary, non-binding offer due by February 3rd. Some potential bidders have expressed concerns about regulatory uncertainly--eg broadband has yet to be strongly stimulated in the Czech Republic and the government's plans on this are unclear.