LIME, who takes claim to be the leading full-service telecommunications provider in the region on December 2, 2010, issued a release announcing that its parent company Cable & Wireless Communications plc. (“CWC”), has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas (“Government”) to acquire a 51% interest in the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (“BTC”).
“CWC and the Government will now work together to complete due diligence, finalise contractual terms and obtain necessary consents and other regulatory clearances with the aim of completing the transaction in the first quarter of 2011.” the release stated.
The release further noted the following as included in the MOU:
CWC will acquire the majority equity stake in BTC, including management control of the business, for US$210 million.
BTC will enter into agreements with CWC for the provision, on an ongoing basis, of various support services, branding and use of intellectual property.
The liberalisation process for the mobile sector will commence no sooner than three years after completion of the transaction.
CWC will work with the Government and the management of BTC to develop a business plan for BTC, addressing its plans for the modernisation of telecommunications throughout The Bahamas and for the development of BTC following privatisation.
Chief Executive David Shaw Speaking on behalf of LIME in his comments, said:
“We believe there is a solid strategic fit between LIME and BTC with many possibilities to build the customer experience and The Bahamas community…”
Meawhile, Tony Rice, CWC’s Chief Executive added: “We are pleased to have taken this important step in the process to invest in The Bahamas, a dynamic economy and market with great potential. In partnering with the Government, we believe that we can deliver a world-class telecoms capability to the people and businesses of The Bahamas,” concluding, “Our immediate focus is now on finalising terms and completing this transaction.”
