The Botswana Competition and Consumer Authority have unconditionally approved Paratus Telecommunications’ (Paratus) acquisition of 100 per cent of Broadband Botswana Internet (BBi).
According to information released to the media, Paratus and BBi are licensed to provide a range of network and data management solutions and services to Botswana’s business and residential sectors.
“The goal of the merger was for both organisations to share mutually advantageous business goals by integrating the businesses, creating economies of scale, and sharing both infrastructure and office premises,” reads an excerpt from the statement. Both companies will retain all employees.”
According to Paratus, the merger for an unknown sum makes its Botswana branch “the largest independent network services provider in the country.”
Apart from creating their shared office arrangement, the two organisations’ immediate aim will be to rationalise and improve network service quality for all consumers.
Both companies claim that they would apply operational efficiency immediately, improving network quality and saving customers money.
“Paratus will now reach more businesses and enter the domestic market through BBi’s national presence and coverage, offering better quality connections and reduced rates through the common infrastructure,” they add.
“This is a significant positive move, not only for Paratus but for the Botswana market,” says Shawn Bruwer, MD of Paratus Botswana. Through its branches, BBi provides Paratus with a direct entrée into the consumer market and a nationwide footprint. In addition, we will be able to offer highly competitive solutions with quality and uptime by merging the BBi coverage with the Paratus network.”
“We approached Paratus initially because we could see the benefits of working together,” says Sean McCormick, MD of BBI. There are far too many small independent operators competing for space in a crowded market. The merger mentioned above will truly shake up the Botswana telecommunications market – in a good way – by merging our energy, skill, and infrastructure.”
