Helios Investment Partners reported to be interested in Telkom Kenya stake

Helios Investment Partners has entered the race to buy some or all of the 70 per cent held by the Orange Group in Telkom Kenya, the country’s fixed incumbent and third largest mobile operator.

Orange’s stake has been up for sale for some time, with previous bids having failed, including one from Vietnam’s Viettel Group at the end of 2014.

Helios is thought to be eyeing a 51 per cent stake in Telkom Kenya, with the country’s government retaining a 29 per cent stake and Orange keeping a 20 per cent stake.

The French group has previously said the Kenyan business is under review as part of its strategy of being a top-two player in the markets where it operates.

Helios has a number of investments in Africa’s mobile market, including Helios Towers Africa, which owns towers in Ghana, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Congo-Brazzaville. The investment firm also backs Helios Towers Nigeria.

In addition, the private equity firm is an investor in Wananchi, a triple play operator (broadband, TV and voice) in a number of East African markets, including Kenya. The firm is also backed by Liberty Global and Altice. Helios’ presence as an investor might give a clue about its intentions for Telkom Kenya, if its bid proves successful.

Helios is thought to be close to concluding negotiations with Orange, and then will begin talks with the Kenyan government.