Telkom considers another offer for Cell C, insiders say
Fixed-line operator's attempts to buy the same company failed in 2017
Telkom is considering making an offer to buy a majority stake in Cell C that would lead to a combination of SA’s third and fourth-largest mobile phone companies, according to people familiar with the matter. The former landline monopoly is seeking management control of the Johannesburg-based carrier, said the people who asked not to be named as the plans are private. Telkom hasn’t made a final decision and the deal could yet fall through, they said. Telkom and Cell C declined to comment. A tie-up between Cell C and Telkom’s mobile phone division would create a business with about 21.5-million subscribers. That would pose a slightly greater threat to the dominance of SA’s top two operators, Vodacom Group and MTN Group, which have more than 70-million customers between them. Telkom, which has been investing heavily in mobile and data services to offset the decline in landline use, is almost 41% owned by the government. Telkom initially attempted to take over Cell C in 2017, only to be...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.