Telekom Austria Group announced that the Macedonian Commission for Protection of Competition has approved the merger of its Macedonian subsidiary Vip Operator with Telekom Slovenije's subsidiary One. The approval is based on certain commitments, such as MVNO access offered by the merged entity to interested parties. Once the transaction is concluded, Vip Operator has three months to create the conditions for MVNOs, and at least two new providers must start services within nine months. The closing of the transaction is expected in Q4. Telekom Austria will hold 55 percent in the new entity and have sole control over the company, whereas Telekom Slovenije will hold 45 percent. The agreement also includes call and put options for the exit of Telekom Slovenije from the joint venture within three years of the closing of the merger.
