NCC denies 9mobile buyer’s emergence on January 16

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has denied reports that a new owner of 9mobile would emerge on January 16, 2018.
Its Director, Public Affairs, Tony Ojobo, said that January 16 was only scheduled as the deadline for the receipt and review of bidding offers from prospective buyers.
He affirmed that Barclays Africa was still in charge of the bidding process that would lead to the emergence of a new owner for the company, and was under obligation to maintain confidentiality of the acquisition.
“Contrary to speculations that a winner would be announced on the same day (January 16, 2018), we wish to clarify that Barclays is expected to review the bids received by the deadline and to make recommendations to the 9mobile Interim Board, thereafter.
“Barclays Africa remains in full control of the process leading to the emergence of a new owner for the company. Barclays has not authorised any publication on the matter and is obliged to maintain full confidentiality thereon.”
According to Ojobo, after the review, recommendations would be made to the 9mobile Interim Board.
Highlighting the next steps in the acquisition process, he stated that a new owner-company would emerge, when the interim board had accepted the recommendation made by Barclays.
Companies that have been reportedly shortlisted for the acquisition of 9mobile after submitting their expressions of interest to Barclays include Bharti Airtel, Smile Telecoms Holdings, Helios Investment Partners LLP, Teleology Holdings Limited and Globacom.