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Media reports inaccurate says MTN

By , ITWeb
South Africa , 07 Mar 2016

Media reports inaccurate says MTN

MTN has expressed concern about media reports it says were inaccurate following its presentation of full year financial results for the year ended 31 December 2015 last week Thursday.

Some of the topics discussed during a media session in Johannesburg addressed by MTN Executive Chairman Phuthuma Nhleko and several senior leaders at MTN has not been reported on accurately according to the mobile operator.

"MTN is thus particularly perturbed that despite the extensive engagements in the day, the media coverage around our results has been characterised by grossly inaccurate media reports and misinformation. We are disturbed by this as the issues being misrepresented are very material to our operations and stakeholders" the company has stated.

In its statement the company goes on to clarify reports attributed to its senior executives on the plans of listing MTN Group in Nigeria.

"This is grossly inaccurate. The correct comment, as expressed by the Executive Chairman, is that MTN could consider listing the local operation, MTN Nigeria, not the Group. As a result, reports that MTN is considering a secondary listing in Nigeria are misleading."

MTN stressed that the listing in Nigeria remains a consideration even as it is not a planned listing. It also put right reports that current shareholding in MTN Nigeria available for Over-The-Counter (OTC) trading constitutes approximately 10% of MTN Nigeria.

"Also worrying are reports that MTN has US$22bn stuck in Nigeria. This is completely inaccurate. MTN Nigeria has the cash equivalent of approximately R24.6bn with some R26.2bn in debt implying a net debt position of R1.7bn."

While MTN did not name publications in which the alleged inaccurate reports appeared, it concluded its statement with an invitation for those seeking clarity to reach out.

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