A very reliable source while confirming this news told that in addition to license transfer requests, PMCL has requested authority to grant additional licenses and O&M agreements for its affiliated companies.
On other hands, Nawa-e-Waqt has reported (in its October 07, 2008 edition) that Orascom has entered into final stages of its talks with Vodafone to sell out 26 percent shares of Mobilink to UK based cellular company. Paper says that there were various sessions carried out between Orascom and Vodafone, and now they have almost closed this deal. However, value of this deal is still unknown.
We had mentioned about this deal back in July that Vodafone and Orascom were nearing talks for sell out of 26 percent shares, however, Mobilink, Orascom and Vodafone officials were constantly denying this. Even now, we are unable to fetch information from anyone directly familiar with this deal.
Meanwhile, Mobilink officials have confirmed us that PMCL has requested transfer of licenses for its affiliated companies. He further said that this transfer is purely on operational and technical grounds.
“Mobilink is a brand name and hence, one cannot sell its shares. There is also no discussion on off-loading any shares of PMCL”, said Mobilink’s spokesman.
While analyzing this statement a telecom analyst commented that Mobilink is a brand as of now, and can’t be sold out, but after the license is transferred, Orascom can sell it out partially or wholly. He further commented that who is questioning PMCL’s sale out?
We are still unable to comprehend Orascom’s this move (if its in real), through which they will loose their most revenue generating unit out of many in various countries – also given that they saw a steep decline in revenues and growth in recent quarters throughout Asia Pacific and Middle East. We hope it’s not a Millicom recap…!
