A PYMNTS Company

Canada: Bell compromises to win Ontera buyout

By  |  October 2, 2014

Bell Aliant has reportedly offered to give one of its rivals access to its landline network in order to secure approval from the Competition Bureau to acquire rival Ontera.

The Bureau announced Wednesday that Bell is willing to lease its infrastructure to Bragg Communications for 20 years. Bell is looking to appease regulatory concern that its takeover of Ontera would create a monopoly, as the two companies are the sole telecom operators in 16 communities in Ontario.

Bell would acquire Ontera from the Ontario government, which agreed to divest the company in a $5.37 million transaction. Bell is in the midst of its own takeover as its largest shareholder, BCE, plans to acquire the company for more than $3.5 billion.

Full content: Reuters

Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.