VELCOM completes acquisition of 97% stake in Garant

VELCOM (formerly Mobile Digital Communications) reports that it has completed the purchase of a 97% controlling stake in Vitebsk-based regional cable TV and internet provider JSC Vitebsk Oblast Techno-Trade Center Garant (Garant). The move – first announced earlier this month – significantly boosts the larger operator’s presence in the Vitebsk region, with VELCOM director Helmut Duz saying: ‘The purchase of the largest operator in the Vitebsk region is a logical step in the implementation of our strategy of providing convergent broadband services throughout the country. Garant has been active in the market in Vitebsk since 1961. We are glad that the company with such a rich experience and professional team has become part of VELCOM.’