Telkom Clears Last Swiftnet Sale Hurdle
The approval of the transfer of Swiftnet's telecommunications licences by Icasa was the last hurdle in the way of the deal being consummated.
"This marks the final major regulatory requirement for the R6.75-billion transaction to a consortium led by Actis, alongside Royal Bafokeng Holdings. Icasa's approval, which results in a change of control of Swiftnets licences, comes after unanimous shareholder approval secured in May 2024, and Competition Tribunal approval obtained in September 2024," Telkom said in a statement to shareholders on Tuesday.
"The sale of Swiftnets portfolio of approximately 4 000 towers and masts marks a significant step in the implementation of Telkoms transformative strategic journey to focus on core operations while realising the value in non-core assets," the company said.
Telkom CEO Serame Taukobong said in the statement that the proceeds from the sale will strengthen the company's balance sheet by reducing debt and providing additional capital. "This will enable us to focus our investment in next-generation technology infrastructure," he said.