Dialog to Invest Rs. 33 Billion (USD 300 Million) in Sri Lanka’s Telecommunications and Media Sectors Single Largest Investor with Total investment of over Rs 90 Billion Colombo, June 7th2007, Dialog Telekom – Sri Lanka’s largest mobile communications operator, and one of the largest infrastructure investors in Sri Lanka, announced on Thursday 7thJune, the signing of a landmark investment agreement with the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BoI) to invest a further Rs. 33 Billion (USD 300 Million) in the country’s Telecommunications and Media sectors within the next 2 years. The investment agreements were entered in to at a ceremony held under the distinguished patronage of the Hon Minister of Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion, Dr. Sarath Amunugama. The Investment agreements were signed by Chairman of Dialog Telekom Ltd (and Telekom Malaysia Bhd), Tan Sri Dato’ Ir Muhammad Radzi bin Haji Mansor and Chairman/Director General of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, Mr.Dhammika Perera. The investment will be targeted at large scale expansion of services across all regions of Sri Lanka. Associated infrastructure investments would include expansion of the company’s GSM and 3G mobile networks, introduction of state of the art Value Added Services and the establishment of Broadband transmission networks across the island based on Fibre Optic and Microwave transmission technologies. The Company will also make substantial investments in the provision of International Bandwidth to Sri Lanka’s ICT sector via the SeMeWe4 submarine cable. Dialog will also make investments in Customer Service and other support infrastructures with a view to expanding its network of support centres across Sri Lanka. A substantial portion of the total investment pledged by the Dialog Group will be directed at fixed line Telephony and Broadband services via Dialog Broadband Networks (Pvt) Ltd. (DBN), and Digital Television Broadcast services via Asset Media (Pvt) Ltd., respectively. The investments in DBN will be directed towards the growth of CDMA based Rural Fixed Telecommunications Infrastructure, Wi Max based wireless broadband infrastructure and for the deployment of a National Fibre Optic backbone. Investments in Asset Media will be targeted at expansion of its Digital Satellite TV services and for the deployment of Terrestrial Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) infrastructure in Sri Lanka. Expressing his thoughts on the investment, Tan Sri Dato’ Ir Muhammad Radzi said “This investment brings Dialog’s total commitment to the Telco sector in Sri Lanka to over USD 800 Million, and emphasizes our commitment to, and confidence in, the Sri Lankan market. We are grateful to the investor friendly policies of the Sri Lankan Government, and consider Sri Lanka to be one of our most compelling success stories outside Malaysia. As South Asia’s first quadruple player, Dialog Telekom has already delivered impressive results, and with this additional investment we intend to fulfill our objective of playing an even bigger role in not just the country’s telecommunication landscape, but also in terms of the delivery of state of the art ICT (Information and Communications Technology) and Digital TV services”.
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Dialog GSM has spearheaded the mobile industry in Sri Lanka since the late 90's propelling it to a level of technology on par with the developed world. Dialog GSM is the country's largest cellular network providing services to over 3.5Mn customers across all provinces of the island, accounting for approx 60% share of the countries mobile sector and 45% of total telecommunications subscribers. The Company has also established itself as the largest Company on the Colombo Stock Exchange in terms of Market Capitalisation. Dialog Chief Executive Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya said “Today, Dialog Telekom reiterates and reinforces its commitment to the Sri Lankan consumer. We will focus on developing Sri Lanka’s ICT infrastructure spanning Mobile and Fixed Telecommunications, Broadband and Digital Television services to world class standards. We are continuously encouraged by our customers and we are confident that we will be able, as in the past, to deliver substantial social dividends to consumers and communities across Sri Lanka, and healthy returns to the shareholding public. Dialog is particularly proud of its capacity to implement and deliver on its promises - we fulfilled the investment commitments we made in 2006, one year ahead of schedule, and we foresee similar progress in relation to the investments we have pledged today. This has been made possible through the dedication and commitment of the Dialog Team, the consistent support of our principal investor Telekom Malaysia Bhd., and the encouragement and guidance of the TRCSL and other agencies of the Government of Sri Lanka for which we are extremely grateful.”
Monday, February 4, 2008
IFC FUND FOR DIALOG >>>>>~>
IFC Commits US$ 100 Mn to Dialog Telekom Will Support Sri Lanka’s Telecom Infrastructure Colombo, Sri Lanka, September 24, 2007— IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, will provide financing to Dialog Telekom PLC in Sri Lanka to expand its telecom network and build new telecommunication infrastructure networks. The US$100 million package includes a US$ 70 million term loan facility and a US $30 million equity commitment via the acquisition of a 1.6 percent holding in Dialog from Telekom Malaysia (TM). The loan facility will enable Dialog to improve public access to affordable and reliable telecommunication services by increasing capacity and extending coverage, particularly in rural and under served areas. The US $30 million equity commitment will also facilitate a potential improvement of liquidity for DIAL shares in the market. The funding will be deployed towards partially financing Dialog Group’s “quadruple play strategy”. A significant portion of the proceeds via the debt financing will be channeled towards augmenting coverage and capacity in the mobile network in order to consolidate and grow market leadership and product leadership in the segment. Investments will also be made in the Fixed line, Broadband and Digital Television media businesses. These beachhead investments would establish a solid platform for the Dialog group to benefit from the burgeoning mobile market as well as from growth in relatively under served segments such as Broadband Internet, Enterprise Solutions, Fixed Telephony and Digital media leveraging on infrastructure and convergent technology platforms. The IFC SouthAsia Enterprise Development Facility (SEDF) will also assist Dialog in implementing its Distributor Retailer Community Network. This will involve imparting better business skills to retail distributors to help them access credit from commercial banks and improve sales. Several policy initiatives and reforms since the 1990s, including the establishment of an independent Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, reflect the Sri Lankan government’s strong commitment to liberalize rapidly. While fixed line penetration remains low, at 10 percent, mobile penetration has risen from 4 percent in 2002 to 30 percent today, equivalent to 5.96 million subscribers. Projections show about 10 million subscribers by 2010, based on expanded coverage and declining tariffs, which are among the lowest in the world. Yusof Annuar Yaacob - Chief Executive Officer of TM International Sdn Bhd, Dialog Telekom PLC’s majority shareholder, said, “IFC’s renewed support to Dialog at a critical juncture in its expansion is very encouraging and contributes significantly to our commitment to investing over $450 million in Sri Lanka over the period 2006 to 2008.” Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Director and Chief Executive, Dialog Telekom, added, “We are delighted that IFC has reinforced its commitment to Dialog’s growth story. Building on the relationship seeded in 2004 through a long term financing arrangement, we are strongly encouraged that IFC has increased its participation in Dialog in the form of equity and expanded debt financing. We are also appreciative of the high degree of market sensitivity displayed by IFC in structuring a tailor made financing package to meet the company’s needs and opportunities”
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Paolo M. Martelli, IFC Director for South Asia, said, “IFC’s support to Dialog, comprising both long-term finance and advisory services, is an important milestone for our presence in Sri Lanka. It demonstrates our commitment to facilitating private sector development, which in this case will help address the country’s growing infrastructure needs.” Gilles Galludec, IFC’s Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives and Program Manager at SEDF, explained, “We are excited by the company's strategy and its country-wide entrepreneur development program. We are keen to back the program actively, as it aligns with our larger role of developing small and medium enterprises.” IFC’s Head of Investments for Sri Lanka and Maldives, Jeetendra Marcelline, added, “IFC sees Dialog as a key partner in Sri Lanka. The teams worked closely on the new package, which helps address a multitude of Dialog’s needs.” About IFC IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, fosters sustainable economic growth in developing countries by financing private sector investment, mobilizing private capital in local and international financial markets, and providing advisory and risk mitigation services to businesses and governments. IFC’s vision is that poor people have the opportunity to escape poverty and improve their lives. In FY07, IFC committed $8.2 billion and mobilized an additional $3.9 billion through loan participations and structured finance for 299 investments in 69 developing countries. IFC also provided advisory services in 97 countries. For more information, visit www.ifc.org. IFC in Sri Lanka Since 1970, IFC has committed over $200 million in 26 projects in Sri Lanka. Currently IFC has an exposure of over $90 million in Sri Lanka in equity, debt, and guarantees, with exposure to private infrastructure exceeding $60 million. In 2007, IFC committed over $20 million in new investments in Sri Lanka, including over $10 million to local financial institutions under its Global Trade Finance Program. The IFC SouthAsia Enterprise Development Facility in Sri Lanka, a $5 million facility funded by IFC and the governments of Netherlands and Norway, is part of a multidonor-funded facility managed and operated since 2006 by IFC. It helps increase access to finance and quality business development services to projects in the country. IFC SEDF also helps create a business-enabling environment and supports value addition to firms through tailored advisory services, capacity building programs, training, and research.
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Paolo M. Martelli, IFC Director for South Asia, said, “IFC’s support to Dialog, comprising both long-term finance and advisory services, is an important milestone for our presence in Sri Lanka. It demonstrates our commitment to facilitating private sector development, which in this case will help address the country’s growing infrastructure needs.” Gilles Galludec, IFC’s Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives and Program Manager at SEDF, explained, “We are excited by the company's strategy and its country-wide entrepreneur development program. We are keen to back the program actively, as it aligns with our larger role of developing small and medium enterprises.” IFC’s Head of Investments for Sri Lanka and Maldives, Jeetendra Marcelline, added, “IFC sees Dialog as a key partner in Sri Lanka. The teams worked closely on the new package, which helps address a multitude of Dialog’s needs.” About IFC IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, fosters sustainable economic growth in developing countries by financing private sector investment, mobilizing private capital in local and international financial markets, and providing advisory and risk mitigation services to businesses and governments. IFC’s vision is that poor people have the opportunity to escape poverty and improve their lives. In FY07, IFC committed $8.2 billion and mobilized an additional $3.9 billion through loan participations and structured finance for 299 investments in 69 developing countries. IFC also provided advisory services in 97 countries. For more information, visit www.ifc.org. IFC in Sri Lanka Since 1970, IFC has committed over $200 million in 26 projects in Sri Lanka. Currently IFC has an exposure of over $90 million in Sri Lanka in equity, debt, and guarantees, with exposure to private infrastructure exceeding $60 million. In 2007, IFC committed over $20 million in new investments in Sri Lanka, including over $10 million to local financial institutions under its Global Trade Finance Program. The IFC SouthAsia Enterprise Development Facility in Sri Lanka, a $5 million facility funded by IFC and the governments of Netherlands and Norway, is part of a multidonor-funded facility managed and operated since 2006 by IFC. It helps increase access to finance and quality business development services to projects in the country. IFC SEDF also helps create a business-enabling environment and supports value addition to firms through tailored advisory services, capacity building programs, training, and research.
Dialog Rights Issue >>>>>
23 May 2007, Colombo Dialog Shareholders Approve Largest Ever 15.5 Billion Rights Issue Telekom Malaysia (TM) to Inject 13 Billion in FDI Dialog Telekom Ltd. (DTL), announced Wednesday (23 May 2007),that the Shareholders of DTL, at its AGM held on 21 May 2007, approved the company’s landmark Rights Issue to a value of Rs.15.5 billion. The Dialog rights issue represents the single largest equity raising exercise to be executed on the Sri Lankan capital market. Dialog's principal shareholder Telekom Malaysia (TM) placing a strong vote of confidence in Sri Lanka and Dialog Telekom has pledged to enhance its direct investment in the country through subscribing in full for its entitlement under the rights issue. “We have the utmost faith in the Sri Lankan market, the investment environment facilitated by the Government of Sri Lanka, and the enabling environment we have enjoyed under the aegis of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, the BoI and the Ministry of Media” said Yusof Annuar Bin Yaacob - Chief Executive Officer of TM International Sdn Bhd, commenting on Telekom Malaysia’s commitment to invest Rs 13 Bn in DTL via the Rights Issue. “We will continue to invest in Sri Lanka as we have done in the past with the objective of providing excellent and technologically advanced services to the Sri Lankan consumer” he added. The rights issue will provide ordinary shareholders of the company with an entitlement to one ordinary share for every ten ordinary shares held, at a price of Rs. 21 per share. The Dialog Telekom Rights Issue is expected to attract substantial interest from Dialog’s shareholders spanning foreign institutional, domestic institutional and domestic retail segments. The proceeds of the Rights Issue and Preference Share Issue totalling approximately Rs. 20.54 Billion will partially finance the Dialog Group’s aggressive capital expenditure plans for the next 3 years targeting accelerated expansion of network capacity and coverage and transformational investments in convergent technologies spanning the multiple businesses lines of the group. Dialog’s investments in Broadband, fixed wireless, and Media are expected to deliver the next phase of growth and supplement the already robust returns delivered to its shareholders, whilst contributing significantly to the communication infrastructure of Sri Lanka. The performance of the DIAL share has been a key driver of the buoyancy and growth of the CSE and associated indices. The DIAL share rose by approximately 117% during the 22 months following the company’s listing in July 2005. Presently DIAL accounts for 22% of the market capitalisation of the CSE. The proposed financing exercise forms a part of a larger medium term funding programme, which would include further local and off-shore debt infusions aimed at maintaining an optimally geared capital structure. The rights issue is supplemented by a Rated Cumulative Redeemable Preference Share Issue of up to Rs 5 Bn. The RCRPS are non-convertible and carry no voting rights. The 5 Billion RCRPS issued at Rs.1/- each will be placed with selected investors possessing the requisite scale, through a private placement. Potential investors in the redeemable preference shares are expected to include licensed commercial banks, financial institutions, foreign and local fixed income funds, institutional investors, recognised employee benefit schemes, unit trusts, insurance companies and high net-worth individuals.
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About Dialog Telekom Limited Dialog Telekom Limited is the largest mobile operator in Sri Lanka with over 3.37 Mn subscribers, representing approximately 60 per cent market share. It is also the largest listed Company on the Colombo Stock Exchange in terms of Market Capitalisation with a market capitalisation (as of 22 May 2007) of LKR 185.086 Bn (USD 1.68 Bn), representing 22.28 per cent of the market capitalisation on the Colombo Stock Exchange. The Company has the distinction of having become the first Company in Sri Lanka to achieve a market capitalization exceeding USD1Bn. Dialog Telekom Limited is a subsidiary of the Telekom Malaysia Group. In addition to its core mobile telephony business, the Company provides international services, supporting an International Gateway infrastructure providing retail and wholesale international voice and data services under the brand name of Dialog Global. The company also provides Internet services through Dialog Internet - a fully-fledged Internet Service Provider (ISP). Dialog Telekom also operates Dialog SAT, a mobile satellite service. About Dialog Broadband Networks (Pvt) Ltd Dialog Broadband Networks (DBN) is a fully owned subsidiary of Dialog Telekom Ltd, and is a key player in Sri Lanka’s ICT infrastructure sector, providing backbone and transmission infrastructure facilities and data communication services. Dialog Broadband is also soon to commence the provision of fixed wireless telephony services based on CDMA technology, and Broadband Wireless Access Services using WiMax technology. About Asset Media (Pvt) Ltd Asset Media is a subsidiary of Dialog Telekom Ltd., and is licensed by the Ministry of Media to provide Television Broadcasting services, delivery of Pay Television and Cable Television Services and the operation of a Television broadcasting station. The company operates a Direct to Home Satellite based Pay Television service under the brand name of Dialog TV. Dialog TV supports a broad array of International content including CNN, BBC, HBO, Cinemax, AXN, ESPN, Discovery Channel, MTV (Music Television) and Cartoon Network, in addition to a wide portfolio of Sri Lankan television channels including Rupavahini and ITN. Dialog TV services are based on cutting edge DVB-S digital broadcast infrastructure.
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About Dialog Telekom Limited Dialog Telekom Limited is the largest mobile operator in Sri Lanka with over 3.37 Mn subscribers, representing approximately 60 per cent market share. It is also the largest listed Company on the Colombo Stock Exchange in terms of Market Capitalisation with a market capitalisation (as of 22 May 2007) of LKR 185.086 Bn (USD 1.68 Bn), representing 22.28 per cent of the market capitalisation on the Colombo Stock Exchange. The Company has the distinction of having become the first Company in Sri Lanka to achieve a market capitalization exceeding USD1Bn. Dialog Telekom Limited is a subsidiary of the Telekom Malaysia Group. In addition to its core mobile telephony business, the Company provides international services, supporting an International Gateway infrastructure providing retail and wholesale international voice and data services under the brand name of Dialog Global. The company also provides Internet services through Dialog Internet - a fully-fledged Internet Service Provider (ISP). Dialog Telekom also operates Dialog SAT, a mobile satellite service. About Dialog Broadband Networks (Pvt) Ltd Dialog Broadband Networks (DBN) is a fully owned subsidiary of Dialog Telekom Ltd, and is a key player in Sri Lanka’s ICT infrastructure sector, providing backbone and transmission infrastructure facilities and data communication services. Dialog Broadband is also soon to commence the provision of fixed wireless telephony services based on CDMA technology, and Broadband Wireless Access Services using WiMax technology. About Asset Media (Pvt) Ltd Asset Media is a subsidiary of Dialog Telekom Ltd., and is licensed by the Ministry of Media to provide Television Broadcasting services, delivery of Pay Television and Cable Television Services and the operation of a Television broadcasting station. The company operates a Direct to Home Satellite based Pay Television service under the brand name of Dialog TV. Dialog TV supports a broad array of International content including CNN, BBC, HBO, Cinemax, AXN, ESPN, Discovery Channel, MTV (Music Television) and Cartoon Network, in addition to a wide portfolio of Sri Lankan television channels including Rupavahini and ITN. Dialog TV services are based on cutting edge DVB-S digital broadcast infrastructure.
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