TeliaSonera (STO:TLSN) has confirmed Latvia’s privatisation agency has asked it to present a strategic proposal for the development of triple-play operator Lattelecom and mobile carrier LMT, which the Nordic telco has minority stakes in.
TeliaSonera (STO:TLSN) has confirmed Latvia’s privatisation agency has asked it to present a strategic proposal for the development of triple-play operator Lattelecom and mobile carrier LMT, which the Nordic telco has minority stakes in.
The Stockholm-based telecoms group has previously said it would like to take control of the two state-controlled telcos, and privatisation may now back on the agenda in the Baltic state.
On 25 September, Latvia’s Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma told a meeting of the country’s Foreign Investors’ Council that she was looking to speed up structural reforms, which she said were essential for attracting new investments.
The audience for her speech, which focused on improving the investment environment in Latvia, included senior management from TeliaSonera, according to a government statement.
A spokesperson for the Nordic telco said it was too soon to say when and how TeliaSonera would reply to the privatisation agency but noted “we have stated earlier that regarding the ownership issue our aim is to reach majority and management control, which today is scattered”.
Latvia’s government and privatisation agency did not respond to requests for comment before the press deadline.
TeliaSonera indirectly holds 49% of both Lattelecom and LMT, and state holdings own the remaining shares in both operators.