The Globe and Mail reported that Canada would accept a wireless license transfer on Friday to close Rogers Communications Inc.’s C$20 billion ($15 billion) bid for Shaw Communications Inc.
The Globe and Mail reported that Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, Francois-Philippe Champagne, will accept Shaw’s Freedom Mobile unit’s cellular license transfer to Quebecor Inc (QBRb.TO) on Friday morning.
Rogers and Shaw sold Freedom Mobile to Quebecor for C$2.85 billion to get government approval.
The government said Champagne would reveal “competitiveness in the telecoms sector” at 8:30 a.m. ET (1230 GMT) on Friday.
The Globe and Mail reported that the minister would accept Shaw’s license transfer to Quebecor’s Videotron Ltd. with conditions and financial fines.
A source told Reuters the government would reveal its choice on Friday.
Rogers-Shaw will become Canada’s second telecoms firm. The competition office worried the deal would lower rivalry in a nation with high wireless bills.
Quebecor will buy Freedom Mobile by March 31.
Champagne earlier supported the deal under certain terms.
Companies and the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Industry did not quickly reply to Reuters requests for comment.
Rogers delayed the deal’s limit to March 31 for the fourth time in February, awaiting Champagne’s approval.
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