Telikom, Dataco, Bmobile merger will compromise competition

Local and foreign companies operating in the country have been urged to be genuine corporate citizens, when it comes to making business decisions.

Commissioner of the Independent Consumer Competition Commission, Paulus Ain, said this when speaking on the announcement of the proposed merger between Telikom PNG, Data Co and B mobile.

Mr Ain said that companies wishing to undertake such actions in future should first engage the ICCC to undertake a proper competition assessment to identify if the merger will compromise competition as well as public benefits.

He said the ICCC act of 2002 allows for companies to either apply for clearance or an authorization that when granted gives the company protection from any legal action by the ICCC or any other third party actions.

Mr Ain said this is because it is an offence for a company to enter into or give effect to a merger or business acquisition that it is anti competitive.

Commissioner Ain also took time to thank Mahesh Patel and the Telikom board in ensuring that appropriate requirements have been met prior to completing the proposed merger

Mr. Ain met with Mr. Patel and the Telikom Board last week to discuss the proposed merger, following media reports that the National Executive Council has approved the transfer of Data Co and B mobile shares to Telikom. NBC News/ PNG Today