Bill Fraser's done deal; Nights out with the CRTC
March 20th, 2004 Posted in Main Page
Looks like Manitoba Telecom Services CEO Bill Fraser really wanted to screw over those pesky hedge fund managers who wanted MTS to become a boring income trust. Turns out, the deal to buy Allstream for a cool $1.7 billion is locked down with no escape routes. Fraser has essentially told the hedge funds that if they don't like the cooking, get the hell out of the kitchen.
Meanwhile, the CRTC has decided not to let carriers take them out for smoozy, boozy dinners. The “Last Bash” was given by BCE CEO Michael Sabia, who hosted a dinner in Ottawa last year. It was fun while it lasted! If CRTC chair Charles Dalfen ever gets lonely and hungry, I'll be happy to buy him lunch - that is, if it's still allowed.
