Magharebia

The privatisation of Algerie Telecom will start by the end of the year, Director General Slimane Kheiredine told Liberté on Monday (28 August). The sale of a 35 per cent stake in the company is expected to raise $3.5 billion in government revenue. UAE's Etisalat, France Telecom and Deutsche Telekom have announced plans to bid for the partial privatisation. Spanish bank Santander has been chosen to manage the operation.

Kheiredine said he expects 15 per cent growth in turnover this year to $2 billion, compared to $1.7 in 2005. (Liberté)