ETB seeking a suitor

Colombian municipally-owned telco ETB has released rules for parties interested in becoming its strategic partner, including a requirement for bidders to have posted at least USD1 billion in revenues in the last fiscal period, have at least 1.5 million fixed lines or five million mobile lines in service, and a minimum of 100,000 internet accesses. The requirements have lead to speculation that only a small number of companies will qualify to take part: according to BNamericas the region’s stalwarts Telmex, Telefonica are both suitably qualified, as is Brazilian cellco Oi which has recently expressed a desire to expand beyond its domestic market. China Telecom has also been named as a potential candidate. According to the timeline released by ETB, prequalification documents will be accepted until 24 September. The whole process is expected to be completed no later than 9 December. Santander Investment is acting as advisor to ETB.