If Telefonica approves the choice of current CEO José María Álvarez-Pallete to replace Cesar Alierta as Chairman, he will be the first Executive Chairman not to be appointed by the Spanish government. Alvarez-Pallete will face two main challenges: securing European Commission approval for the sale of O2 and dealing with the weakness of the LatAm economies, particularly Brazil.
MADRID | The Corner | Vivendi board has decided to enter into exclusive talks with Telefónica for the disposal of its Brazilian subsidiary company Global Village Telecom (GVT), preferring Telefónica’s bid over the Telecom Italia’s one. Telefónica will pay a total consideration of €7.45 bn, of which €4.66bn in cash and the remainder in newly issued shares of the combined Telefónica Brazil-GVT entity corresponding to a 12% economic interest.
The Corner Team | The deal for Spain’s Telefonica to raise its stake in Telco and control Telecom Italia will be ready before Friday, according to Economía Digital. An operation that prevents Carlos Slim, through America Movil, or American competitor AT&T from taking positions in the Italian market. Telefónica’s peace of mind is worth 324 million euros ($437 million).
The Corner Team | Spanish Telefónica is in talks to become the main shareholder of Telco, Telecom Italia’s holding company, which is struggling with a millionaire debt and a fiercely competitive market, Dow Jones reports. The proposal under discussion would have Telefónica increasing its stake to 70% before next week.