Cinven is one of a number of firms shortlisted as bidders for Telkom Slovenia, along with Deutsche Telekom, Providence, Apax and Bain Capital, according to Reuters.
Thomas Railhac, a Cinven principal, told reporters that Telekom Slovenia has “great existing infrastructure and very good staff. We think there is an opportunity to create a Slovenian champion”.
The deadline for making binding bids for the operator is the beginning of March, but Cinven is yet to disclose the size of its bid.
Cinven would make substantial investments in Telekom Slovenia’s network, and hopes to draw on its experience in France and the Netherlands where it acquired and sold leading cable companies, Numericable and Ziggo, respectively.
“You don’t have to be a part of a big conglomerate to be successful,” Railhac added. “We are firmly convinced that we can bring that success to Telekom.”
Telekom Slovenia’s privatisation has faced numerous delays, but a sale now looks likely to complete this year.
In June 2014, Cinven acquired the fibre network of Spanish utility company Gas Natural Fenosa for €510 million.
