French media and telecoms group Vivendi has denied that it is looking to acquire the Brazilian fibre optic company AES Atimus.
A Vivendi spokeswoman told TelecomFinance that both Vivendi and its Brazilian subsidiary, the fixed-line operator GVT, deny all…
French media and telecoms group Vivendi has denied that it is looking to acquire the Brazilian fibre optic company AES Atimus.
A Vivendi spokeswoman told TelecomFinance that both Vivendi and its Brazilian subsidiary, the fixed-line operator GVT, deny all interest in AES.
The news follows media reports last week that GVT was preparing to mount a bid for AES.
Italian newspaper La Repubblica reported on Friday that GVT was planning a bid of Rs2.5bn for AES. This would have been a challenge to Italian incumbent Telecom Italia, which is also reportedly interested in acquiring the Brazilian company.
A GVT spokeswoman also denied the reports that GVT was participating in any acquisition process for AES.
She said that the company was investing Rs1.8bn in its network this year. The main efforts were directed at fixed-line and broadband services, but she added that the company will be launching pay-TV by the end of Q3 or start of Q4 2011.
Telecom Italia’s Brazilian subsidiary, TIM Brasil, is the country’s third largest mobile operator.
Vivendi’s CFO, Philippe Capron, told journalists earlier in May that they should not expect the company to make a large acquisition in Brazil.
He said: “We are willing to explore any relevant development avenues in Brazil. In our minds it will mostly take the form of greenfield developments. You should not expect major acquisitions.”
AES Atimus currently operates a fibre optic network of over 5,000km in Brazil.
An AES spokeswoman told TelecomFinance that the company “has always been a quite coveted target within the telecom sector”.
She added that AES’ owner, Cia Brasiliana de Energia, had received offers for the company, but did not provide more details on the bidders.
She said: “Brasiliana is attentive and open to opportunities,” but added that “there are no guarantees that possible negotiations will develop into the sale of Atimus”.
Telecom Italia did not reply to questions before the press deadline.
