GNCC, based on recent statements made by the president of “Magticom” Ltd David Lee in regard to the alienation of retail service segment operational assets of “Caucasus Online” releases an official statement to the public:

“According to the Commission’s estimation, the political statements of the president of “Magticom” Ltd David Lee, in particular, represent an attempt to pressure state structures for the purpose of lobbying private corporate interests. Mr. Lee’s action leaves an impression, that his goal is to limit business transaction process capacity within competition conditions by using state leverages so that “Magticom” Ltd can remain the primary buyer of the operational assets of the retail service market segment of “Caucasus Online” Ltd.

We remind the public, that in accordance with the decision of November 19 of the last year, the Commission has already granted the prior consent to “Magticom” Ltd in regard to the acquisition of the operational assets owned by the “Caucasus Online” Ltd. Accordingly, “Magticom” Ltd has all kinds of possibilities, including legal, to reach the business agreement with “Caucasus Online” Ltd.

As for the current public administrative proceedings for the purpose to grant a prior consent to "Mobitel" Ltd (Beeline) for the acquisition of   retail segment services (broadcasting transit (IPTV), digital telephony (VOIP) and retail internet services owned by “Caucasus Online” Ltd, it should be noted, that the proceedings are still in progress, the Commission has not yet made a decision in regard to granting prior consent and the second session in order to review an issue is scheduled for March 10, 2016.