According to reports, VimpelCom has refused to confirm or deny the potential divestment; but sources close to the company have cited that both parties could be interested in a prospective deal.
Wind Mobile, formed in 2009, is one of the strongest wireless upstart businesses in Canada. The Canadian government set aside wireless licences in 2008 in order to inject more competition into a market dominated by Rogers Communications, BCE Inc.’s Bell Mobility and Telus Corp.
Group communications director of VimpelCom Bobby Leach would not confirm nor deny the proposed deal, commenting: “It is the opinion of an independent analyst and therefore does not represent any official views or statements of, or by, VimpelCom Group.”
Bidders are said to be mulling over the possibility of the purchase, with Rogers Communications thought to be considering an offer as well as Sawiris, whom would be retaking a stake in the company after selling to VImpelCom in 2011.
VimpelCom’s chief executive officer, Jo Olav Lunder, recently commented the company could exit the country, merge with another Canadian carrier or continue to grow organically.
