Over the past few months there has been much speculation about Vodacom acquiring Neotel and what Vodacom’s plans would be after final approval of the acquisition. It is now clear that Neotel will continue to operate as Neotel but with new owners.
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has given notice in the Government Gazette 37998 that the authority has received an application from Vodacom for approval of the acquisition of Neotel and has invited comments on the application.
In terms of the transaction, the salient features of the agreement are that Vodacom will only acquire the entire share capital of Neotel and that Neotel will remain a company and a licensee, retaining all licences granted by ICASA.
The application, relevant schedule and representations received will be made available and open for inspection by interested parties in ICASA’s library during normal office hours.
Written representation in relation to the application by Vodacom should be lodged by 6 October 2014 indicating whether an opportunity is required to make oral representations in the event ICASA decides to hold a public hearing. A copy must also be submitted to Dr. Tracy Cohen at Neotel. More details in the Government Gazette in the attached file.
