Telecom operator Expresso up for sale

Sudanese telecom group, Sudatel, has initiated moves to sell off its stake in Expresso.

Sources familiar with the development say a number of companies have expressed interest in buying the telco with a local firm currently the front runner in the talks.

It is unclear when negotiations will be completed however, Citi Business News has learnt the telecom operator has notified all parties concerned over its move to sell off the stake.

Expresso over the years has struggled to increase its market in the telecom industry.

It has had the least subscriber base in the industry for years.

According to statistics from the National Communication Authority (NCA), Expresso as at August this year had a market share of 0.57% with its subscriber base increasing from 154,824 to 156,293 the lowest as compared to its competitors.

Ownership of Expresso has gone through many hands since it began operations in the country under the name Cell tell in 1995.

In January 2003, the company was re-branded to Kasapa Telecom, the only locally branded telecoms operator in the country, with 9,000 subscribers.

Expresso Telecom acquired 100% of Kasapa Telecom Company In July 2008 of which Sudatel owns 75% of the stake.


By: Vivian Kai Mensah/citifmonline.com/Ghana