Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes _______ No ___X____
RELEASE |
Lisbon, Portugal, July 20, 2003 Portugal Telecom, SGPS, S.A. (PT) (NYSE: PT; Euronext Lisbon: PTCO.IN) announced today that it has reached an agreement with Sociedade Interbancária de Serviços (SIBS) for the acquisition of the remaining 12.5% stake in PT Prime S.A. (PT Prime) that it does not already own, for an amount of Euro 39.1 million.
Final and definitive documentation will be signed within the next 15 days. Under the agreement, SIBS is required to use the proceeds of this sale to purchase PT shares in the market.
This transaction is part of the on-going restructuring process of the wireline business. As part of this restructuring, PT Corporate, which is an instrumental company aimed at providing personalized services to top corporate clients of the PT Group, was recently established. Additionally, the full ownership of PT Prime will contribute to greater efficiency on this business area and allow for a better integration and coordination of the wireline business in order to capture synergies and achieve cost reductions across the wireline activities.
Contact: |
Vitor J.
Sequeira, PT Group Investor Relations Officer vitor.j.sequeira@telecom.pt |
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Portugal Telecom |
PORTUGAL TELECOM, SGPS, S.A.
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By: |
/S/
Vitor Sequeira
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Vitor Sequeira
Manager of Investor Relations
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This press release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are statements that are not historical facts, and are based on management's current view and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results. The words "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "expects", "plans" and similar expressions, as they relate to the company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the declaration or payment of dividends, the implementation of principal operating and financing strategies and capital expenditure plans, the direction of future operations and the factors or trends affecting financial condition, liquidity or results of operations are examples of forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of management and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. There is no guarantee that the expected events, trends or results will actually occur. The statements are based on many assumptions and factors, including general economic and market conditions, industry conditions, and operating factors. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.