Unicom confirms subsidiary in Nitel privatization talks

China Unicom said that China Unicom (Europe) Operations, a wholly owned subsidiary, had been in contact with bidders to support the privatization of Nigerian telecom firm Nitel, the Financial Times reported. Last week, Unicom denied that it was participating in a bid for a stake in the Nigerian firm. However, following the release of a letter by Nigerian officials signed by the president of Unicom Europe, Unicom said in a statement that its subsidiary was interested in providing technical and managerial support for the privatization, and would "be interested in exploring the possibility of equity investment in Nitel." Unicom Europe’s president, William So, said in his letter that the company is considering a 20% stake in Nitel.