Philippe Delavaud Collin (left), general manager of Bouygues Telecom Caraibe, with Colm Delves, Digicel Group chief executive officer, at the announcement in Martinique yesterday of Digicel's intent to fully acquire Bouygues Telecom Caraibe. - CONTRIBUTED
DIGICEL GROUP yesterday announced its intent to fully acquire Bouygues Telecom Caraibe, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Bouygues Telecom with assets in Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana, pending the approval of key stakeholders and regulators including Bougyues shareholders, Workers Committee, ARCEP and Bercy, the French Ministry for Finance.
Colm Delves, group chief executive officer of Digicel said, "Digicel will be able to offer a portfolio of innovative products to local customers and visitors throughout these French West Indian territories, all supported by our top-rated customer service and reliable coverage."
Bouygues Telecom Caraibe is headquartered in Martinique and directly employs approximately 80 people. With an established pre-paid and post-paid customer base, it operates an advanced GSM network that spans across Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana.
TOURISTS DESTINATION
The three French overseas territories have economies centred on the Euro as their functional currency. The markets are home to more than one million people and serve as a popular destination for international tourists. Its coverage areas also include St. Barths and French St. Martin.
Digicel will challenge the incumbent Orange Caraibe and ONLY, a new entrant in the French West Indies market. Digicel has taken on Cable & Wireless, among other incumbents over the years, and rapidly increased its subscriber base by connecting with consumers through its value offerings and exciting brand.
The three new markets will extend Digicel's brand in the region and further add to its Pan-Caribbean network, the company stated. Digicel currently employs more than 1,500 people throughout the Caribbean and its investments in the region surpass US$1 billion.
This acquisition follows Digicel's recent completion of its acquisition of Cingular Wireless' Caribbean and Bermuda operations, which has expanded Digicel to 15 markets covering a total population of 14 million people.
