Colombia Telecom Buys Batelsa

Colombia’s state-owned telephone operator Telecom, due for privatization in March, has bought regional fixed-line operator Batelsa, based in Barranquilla, in a deal worth $91.5 million (Ps 206 billion). Telecom was able to bid just under the pre-established minimum of Ps 209 billion after the three-qualifying bidders — EPM, ETB and Metrotel – failed to submit offers in the auction last Friday.