The Social Communications Regulatory Authority (ERC) has not opposed the acquisition of the operator Nowo by the Romanian telecommunications company Digi. This is a further step in this acquisition process, which arose after the sale of the operator to Vodafone.
Final decision. Competition Authority prevents Vodafone from buying Nowo
“The Regulatory Council of ERC – Regulatory Body for Social Communication approved, at its meeting on September 18, a non-opposition opinion to the concentration operation consisting of the acquisition of exclusive control of Cabonitel, SA, by DIGI Portugal, Lda,” can be read in a statement released on Thursday.
The ERC’s opinion responds to a request from the Competition Authority (AdC). In this note, ERC concludes that the agreement “does not call into question the values of freedom of expression, pluralism and diversity of opinions, as well as the free dissemination and access to content, for which ERC is responsible.” safeguard”.
Digi announced its intention to buy Nowo in August, offering €150 million for the transaction. It also said that the purchase would allow for “faster expansion in the Portuguese market.”
Digi moves to buy Nowo for 150 million
The transaction involves the indirect acquisition of 100% of the share capital and voting rights of Nowo Communications, SA, a company that offers electronic communications services in mainland Portugal, including fixed voice, mobile telecommunications, broadband Internet access to residential customers and pay television, telecommunications services and packages for residential customers.
Digi’s arrival in the Portuguese market follows the 5G band auction, which concluded in October 2021, almost ten months after its launch. The entry of the Romanian telecom operator, known for its low bid prices, has been questioned from the start by the remaining players in the sector – Nos, Meo and Vodafone – who argue that the Portuguese market is too small for a handful of operators.
5G auction ends. Almost 567 million euros in bids
Digi must make trading offers available before November, when the deadline imposed by the auction rules ends.
Source: Observadora
