NEWS

Linklaters and Allens advises consortium on Myanmar telco deal

Technology & Outsourcing Technology, Media & Telecommunications

Alliance partners Linklaters and Allens have advised the KDDI Corporation–Sumitomo Corporation consortium on its agreement with Myanmar government agency Myanma Posts & Telecommunications to jointly develop and operate a fixed and mobile phone network in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

The joint operations will make significant investments to upgrade the telecommunications infrastructure and services provided to both business customers and consumers in Myanmar, with this investment providing a key platform for the further development of Myanmar's economy and industry (where mobile phone penetration currently stands at approximately 10 per cent of the 65 million population).

The Linklaters and Allens international team advising the consortium on the transaction was led by Linklaters corporate partners Stuart Bedford and Savi Hebbur and by Niranjan Arasaratnam, Head of Allens' Technology, Media and Telecommunications sector group.

Commenting on the transaction, Stuart Bedford said: 'This transaction represents one of the most significant international investments made in Myanmar to date and the future success of the joint operations is critical to enable Myanmar's rapid economic growth to continue.'

Niranjan Arasaratnam said: 'We are delighted to have teamed with Linklaters on this groundbreaking transaction in Myanmar. It represents a key milestone in the development of the Myanmar economy and we are proud to have assisted our client with this landmark agreement.'

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Notes for editors.

Allens is a commercial law firm working throughout Australia and Asia. Through its integrated alliance with Linklaters it provides clients access to 40 offices in 28 countries around the world.