Vivendi's Maroc Tel Attracts Four Suitors

Vivendi S.A. (VIVHY) has received interest in its 53% stake in Maroc Telecom (IAM.CL) from four companies, the Reuters news agency said Wednesday on its website, citing two people familiar with the matter.

Qatar Telecom Q.S.C. (QTEL.DO), Etisalat and Saudi Telecom Co. (7010.SA), as well as South Africa's MTN Group Ltd. (MTNOY) have spoken to Vivendi's bankers regarding the deal, which Vivendi hopes will garner at least 5.5 billion euros ($7.13 billion), the people said in the report.

Qatar Telecom is deemed the best-placed potential bidder because they have the funds to back the acquisition and internal agreement on the strategic rationale, one of the sources was quoted as saying in the report.

Qatar Telecom, declined to comment and Saudi Telecom wasn't immediately available for comment, the report said. When asked if Etisalat was considering a bid, Etisalat Chief Executive Ahmad Julfar told Reuters "we are not part of that yet." MTN declined to comment specifically on its interest in Maroc Telecom, with spokesman Rich Mkhondo saying in the report: "MTN is always looking for value-enhancing opportunities but we never comment on speculation about those opportunities until the right time."

Full Story: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/24/vivendi-maroctel-idUSL5E8LOFAY20121024

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