French conglomerate Vivendi and UAE-based operator Etisalat have entered into exclusive negotiations to finalise an agreement for the sale of Vivendi's 53 percent shareholding in Maroc Telecom. Etisalat’s offer values the controlling stake at MAD 92.6 per share, resulting in proceeds for Vivendi of EUR 4.2 billion in cash, including the 2012 dividend of EUR 310 million. Including Maroc Telecom's net debt, the enterprise value for Vivendi's stake is EUR 4.5 billion, equal to 6.2x EBITDA.
Vivendi said a final agreement still depends on consultations with works councils and an agreement between Etisalat and the Moroccan government, which is the other major shareholder in Maroc Telecom. Negotiations are also underway with Moroccan institutional investors that may invest in the operator. Pending regulatory approval, the companies aim to close the deal by the end of this year.
