The latest newcomer into the mobile telephone market in Luxembourg, Voxmobile, had acquired 20% of the market in three years. But to grow even more, it had to be supported by a large international network. That is now done after the acquisition by the Belgian operator Mobistar (Orange/France telecom group) of 90% of its capital for €80 million. Photos: David Laurent
Amongst the different candidates for
Claude Bintz and Pascal Koster), Voxmo
the merger - Belgacom were in the
bile is now therefore in the hands of an
running, along with an English invest
‘operational’ share holder, Mobistar now
ment fund - Mobistar constitutes the
having a 90% stake (the remaining 10%
most natural choice since the two oper
being owned by Biko Investments).
ators have already had the occasion to
Amount of the investment for the Bel
collaborate recently and both offer sim
gian operator: €80.3 million. The deal
ila r services and products, notably for
includes maintaining the current man
corporate clients. They have also won
agement for at least three years.
together an important tender from the European commission.
“It was an indispensable condition for us, explained Mr. Moschéni, CEO of
Owned in the majority, until recently,
Mobistar. The current directors could
by a group of Luxembourg financial institutional investors (BIP Investment
have easily taken the money and left
Partners and Audiolux, who both owned
roles is a very positive sign o f their will
37.5°/o each, the remaining 25°/o being
for development and their optimism for
with it. Their wish to remain in their
held by Biko Investments, a financial
the future o f the company. I also want
structure in which one finds the two
to insist on the autonomy and reactivity
current founders and directors, Jean-
o f Vox: we are not going to stifle it but