Earlyface

The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) stated that there will be no shift in the date fixed and approved for the sale of 9mobile.


The NCC Executive Commissioner and Stakeholder Management insisted that the transactions and handover of 9mobile to the new owner must be finally concluded on the 16th of January, 2018.

Meanwhile, 9mobile was to be sold on December 31, 2017, but they wrote to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the NCC, asking for the extension of date from December 31st, 2017 to January 16th, 2018.

The bidding process was coordinated and evaluated by Barclays Africa and shortlisted the 5 final firm bidding to acquire 9mobile. These firms include Globacom, Bharti Airtel, Smile Telecoms, Teleology Holdings Limited and Helios Investment Partners.

Globacom, according to industry trend is seriously looking for every means to depose MTN, and become the largest operator in Nigeria.

Market Analysts believe that the battle for the soul of 9Mobile rests strictly between Globacom and Airtel, because of their financial muscles and experiences in the Nigerian market.

Reports say four of the bidders have formed alliance to reduce the chances of the remaining one, which appeared to have the financial muscle to crush the other bidders ahead of the deadline.

Recall that Globacom is the second biggest network in the subscription market share after MTN, and controls 26.6 percent market share and 37 million customers, while Airtel is third with 35 million customers as at the end of October.

Embattled 9Mobile has 17 million customers, which is 12.2 percent of the market. MTN with 50.7 million customers, controls 36 percent market share.

The industry analyst believes that Globacom is considered a better match to acquire 9mobile if it truly desires to lead the Nigerian market. If Glo adds up its 26.6 percent to 9Mobile’s 12.2 percent, it will rise to 38.8 percent and tactically dethrone MTN, which is currently at 36 percent.

By next week Tuesday, January 16st, the winner will emerge.
Do you think Globacom is in the best position to acquire 9mobile?