French media tycoon Xavier Niel is showing interest in the tender for another mobile carrier, as well as in the Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) (TASE: ELEC.B22) telecommunications infrastructure venture.
Niel owns French telecommunications carrier Free SAS, which provide broadband Internet, data, content, and telephony services. The company recently won a French government tender for frequencies. He recently acquired France's premier daily "Le Monde", one of the world's top newspapers, together with two other investors.
Niel has appointed Michael Bokobza as his representative to review the matter. Bokobza previously advised French businessman Patrick Drahi, the controlling shareholder of HOT Telecommunication Systems Ltd. (TASE: HOT) and owner of Mirs Communications Ltd.. Bokobza also served as CEO of Free.
Due to time pressures, it is doubtful whether it is possible for a new bidder to enter the mobile carrier tender at this stage, but sources believe that if Niel is prepared to invest in Israel, he may seek a partner from among the present bidders in the tender.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on December 28, 2010
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