/ 31 January 2007

Vodacom to submit proposals on BEE deal soon

Mobile services provider Vodacom said on Thursday that it hoped to submit proposals to the group’s board in March on a proposed black economic empowerment deal that is expected to be valued at about R7,5-billion.

Alan Knott-Craig, group chief executive officer, said in a statement: “Vodacom is and continues to be committed to the ICT charter on BEE. The management of Vodacom have been tasked to submit proposals to the Vodacom Group board for equity participation by suitable BEE entities. To this end a large number of applications have been received from such entities.

“Vodacom management hopes to submit its proposals to the Vodacom Group board in March 2007. All indications suggest that the size of the transaction will be in the vicinity of R7,5-billion. Vodacom are being advised on this transaction by Rand Merchant Bank.” – I-Net Bridge