Combined entity still requires regulatory approval
WINNIPEG — Seemingly in anticipation of regulatory approval of BCE’s proposed $3.9 billion acquisition of Manitoba Telecom Services (MTS), the two companies are presenting a united front as they saddle up together for this weekend’s Interstellar Rodeo at The Forks in downtown Winnipeg. Bell and MTS are sponsors of the three-day music festival.
In a press release issued Thursday, the two companies invited festival attendees to drop by the co-branded Bell MTS Box for a hands-on look at what the companies have to offer customers, including a virtual-reality experience and displays showcasing Bell’s Fibe TV and Gigabit Fibe Internet offerings.
“MTS is a very big part of the community here and we jumped at the chance to join the team in meeting Manitobans at The Forks this coming weekend. We invite you to visit the innovation-packed Bell MTS Box for a hands-on look at the next-generation broadband services that will fuel the future of connectivity and media in Manitoba,” Mirko Bibic, chief corporate development officer for Bell, said in the news release.
Bell Media radio stations 103.1 Virgin Radio and 99.9 BOB FM will do live broadcasts and contests, and Bell MTS charging stations for mobile devices will be available at the festival. A Samsung-powered, immersive VR video experience will put participants in the centre of Cirque du Soleil’s “O” production, Bell and MTS said.
“Bell MTS will deliver state-of-the-art broadband communications to Manitobans in communities across our province, and our teams are eager to show and tell you what’s in store,” Paul Norris, vice-president of residential services for MTS, said in the news release. “Interstellar Rodeo is a great music event in the heart of Winnipeg, the perfect place to invite Manitobans to experience the evolution of broadband access and entertainment innovations that Bell MTS will deliver.”
As part of BCE’s proposed acquisition of MTS, Bell is making a commitment to invest $1 billion over five years to expand broadband services in Manitoba. The acquisition still requires regulatory approval from the CRTC, the Competition Bureau, and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), having already received shareholder approval and a favourable decision from the Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench earlier this summer. If the acquisition receives the remaining regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in late 2016 or early 2017.
