Japanese mobile telephony operator Softbank is considering to invest in Mexican mobile operator Iusacell, Bloomberg reports, citing people with knowledge of the matter. According to the report, the Japanese operator is in advanced stages of reviewing Iusacell’s assets.
Mexican holding Salinas Group has recently purchased a 50 percent stake in Iusacell from broadcasting group Televisa. As a result of the USD 717 million deal, Salinas Group will now fully own Iusacell, which is the country's third-largest mobile operator.
The Mexican firm said that it will announce the new strategic partner once local regulatory agencies approves the acquisition of the 50 percent stake. Iusacell has around 8 million mobile telephony customers.
Softbank is also among the potential suitors contacted by Mexico's largest operator America Movil, which is seeking to sell certain assets to reduce its dominant position in the market, as it is requested by new regulations.
