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VimpelCom signs deal to sell 51% of Orascom Algeria
2014-04-18 12:01:00| Telecompaper Headlines
(Telecompaper) VimpelCom and Global Telecom Holding (GTH) have signed an agreement to sell 51 percent of their subsidiary Orascom Telecom Algeria (OTA) to Algerian National Investment Fund FNI for USD 2.64 billion. OTA, which uses the Djezzy brand, will distribute a USD 1.86 billion dividend to GTH immediately prior to the closing of the transaction, which is expected to occur by the end of the year. The total dividends and proceeds due to GTH at closing are expected to amount to USD 4 billion, net of all taxes and after the settlement of all outstanding disputes and the payment of associated fines. The proceeds will be used to pay down shareholders loans provided by VimpelCom to GTH. The latter will continue to exercise operational control over OTA and both VimpelCom and GTH will continue to fully consolidate OTA. VimpelCom CEO Joe Lunder said the value accretive transaction resolves the company's dispute with Algeria and allows it to solidify its position in this market by allowing it to invest further in a 3G network.
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Category:Telecommunications