We're not responsible for more tangible benefits, Bell reiterates to CRTC

By Perry Hoffman

OTTAWA - BCE insists that it does not have to pay tangible benefits on its proposed acquisition of CTVglobemedia, noting requiring it to pay a second time is inconsistent with Commission policy. In reply comments, the company argues that it paid a $230 million benefits package in 2000 when it first acquired CTV and despite the decision to sell an 85% stake in the broadcaster in 2006, it never relinquished control and therefore shouldn’t be required to pay again. “If the Commission were to require that the same acquirer (BCE) pay tangible benefits on the same assets (CTV) on which...