Merger Hearings for PTCL’s Acquisition of Telenor Pakistan

PTCL's Telenor merger

CCP Begins Phase II Merger Review Hearings for PTCL’s Acquisition of Telenor Pakistan

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has officially started the Phase II Merger Review of PTCL’s acquisition of Telenor Pakistan. The acquisition, if approved, could potentially reshape Pakistan’s telecommunications market. The hearing took place under the guidance of CCP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu and brought together prominent stakeholders from the telecom sector, including PTCL’s legal counsel, Telenor representatives, and regulatory bodies.

PTCL’s Acquisition of Telenor Pakistan

PTCL’s acquisition of Telenor Pakistan represents a significant move within the telecommunications industry. The merger, involving 100% shareholding of Telenor Pakistan and Orion Towers, is expected to offer substantial growth opportunities. The first hearing, led by CCP members Salman Amin and Abdul Rashid Sheikh, provided insights from PTCL President Hatem Bamatraf.

PTCL’s legal counsel, Ms. Rahat Kaunain Hassan, emphasized the economic benefits this merger could bring to Pakistan. She positioned it as a growth accelerator for the telecom sector.

CCP’s Phase II Merger Review Process

The CCP’s Phase II Merger Review is a comprehensive examination of potential market risks. Conducted under Section 11(6) of the Competition Act 2010, this review seeks to assess how the merger could impact market competition and the telecom industry’s overall dynamics. The review considers market share concentration and invites stakeholders to present their perspectives.

M/s Wateen Telecom, represented by Mian Sami-ud-Din, also shared its preliminary concerns during the hearing. The second hearing, scheduled for October 2, 2024, will see Wateen Telecom further presenting its arguments.

Stakeholder Involvement | PTCL’s Telenor merger

Key stakeholders present at the hearing included Khurram Ashfaque (CEO, Telenor Pakistan), Andreas Hogberg (CEO, Orion Towers), and Fawad Ahmad Khan (Group Director, PTML). Their involvement highlights the importance of this merger to the telecom industry. Representatives from Jazz, Transworld Associates, Cm Pak LDI Ltd, and the Frequency Allocation Board were also in attendance.

Their participation signifies the widespread impact the PTCL-Telenor merger could have on telecom operations across Pakistan. As the review progresses, CCP encourages all stakeholders to continue sharing their input, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation of the merger’s potential effects on market competition.

What’s Next? | PTCL’s Telenor merger

The next CCP hearing on this merger will explore further arguments from stakeholders and delve into specific details on the potential risks of market concentration. PTCL’s acquisition of Telenor Pakistan will continue to be a closely watched case, as it could set a precedent for future mergers in Pakistan’s telecom sector.

Stay tuned for updates on how this merger progresses and how the telecom landscape in Pakistan may evolve in the near future.


Islamabad Exchange Company: Your Trusted Partner in Currency Exchange

Islamabad Exchange Company is your go-to choice for currency exchange in Islamabad. We serve a wide range of sectors, including E9, E11, F11, F-10, F-8, F-7, F-6, F-5, G-5, G-6, G-7, G-8, G-9, G-10, G-11, G-13, H-8, H-9, I-8, I-9, and I-10. Our services also extend to Blue Area, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar.

We prioritize customer satisfaction and ensure a seamless experience for all your currency transactions. Our services range from traditional money changers to modern foreign exchange solutions. If you’re looking for money exchange near you, our branches in the Blue Area and F-10 are conveniently located. We offer competitive rates for a variety of currencies, including USD to PKR, GBP to PKR, EUR to PKR, SAR to PKR, AED to PKR, AUD to PKR, CAD to PKR, Thai Baht to PKR, Yuan to PKR, Yen to PKR, and Lira to PKR.

  • Fast, secure currency exchange at competitive rates
  • Real-time rates at https://isbexchangeco.com/
  • Smooth, transparent, and reliable service
  • 051-2809751-52, 051-2105491
  • 0330-1112227

Conclusion | PTCL’s Telenor merger

This blog post covers the significant aspects of CCP’s Phase II Merger Review of PTCL’s acquisition of Telenor Pakistan, focusing on the hearing details, stakeholder involvement, and the process moving forward. By addressing market share dynamics and competition, the review is critical to ensuring fair competition within the telecom industry.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *