African operator Telecel snaps up MTN assets as part of IPO push
Telecel Group has bought two west African units from Africa’s largest wireless company MTN Group Ltd., as it scales operations ahead of an initial public offering in three years.
The Africa-focused telecommunications company is buying MTN’s debt and equity in Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry, Chief Executive Officer Moh Damush said in an interview, without disclosing the size of the latest acquisitions. This follows the purchase of Vodafone Group Plc’s operations in Ghana last year.
“Dubai and London seem to be our preferred options for a listing,” Damush said. “We are also interested in further developments in the next years that would allow considering African bourses.”
Africa is home to the youngest and fastest-growing population in the world, making it attractive. Still, telecoms companies in these markets have to be prepared for challenges including inadequate energy supply and catering to lower-income consumers.
More Acquisitions
Telecel is looking at two other prospects on the continent and the “next round of acquisitions will focus on financial services and tech companies that can add value to our investments,” Damush said.
Other than financing from shareholders, Telecel is also raising money from Africa-focused funds, banks, equity investors for the acquisitions, he said.
Damush and partners Hugues Mulliez and Nicolas Bourg acquired Telecel in 2017. The firm has interests in several markets such as Ghana, Central Africa Republic and Liberia.
