Photo Reuters
Photo Reuters

COMPANY NEWS IN BRIEF

Telkom, MTN takeover talks still in progress

On Monday, MTN and Telkom confirmed that they are still in takeover negotiations amid. Previously, the companies said their negotiations were “at an early stage” and that there was “no certainty the transaction will be consummated”.

In an update on Monday, the companies confirmed discussions are still in progress “which, if successfully concluded, may have a material effect on the price” of their shares.

Shareholders were advised to continue to exercise caution when dealing in their shares. Telkom’s share price jumped 5% in early trading on Monday morning. MTN gained almost half a percent.

Last month, MTN approached Telkom’s board with a buyout bid – which will consist of cash or a combination of cash and shares.

Meanwhile, data-only network provider Rain wants a merger with Telkom. But it has been forced to withdraw its media announcement about the move, by the Takeover Regulation Panel (TRP), which deemed it as unlawful. Rain said it would still make a bid.

Meanwhile, the black investment group Toto Consortium has made a R7-billion bid to buy government's 40.5% stake in Telkom.

MTN’s proposed takeover, if concluded, would change the face of the local telecommunications industry, expanding MTN’s reach into fibre technology. -Fin24

Walmart explores matchmaker marketplace

Walmart may launch a platform that will use social media influencers to help the retailer and its 100 000 third-party sellers promote their goods and services online, according to trademark filings.

Walmart filed trademarks for "Walmart Creator" and "Walmart Creator Collective," which would provide social media consulting and "the promotion of goods and services of others through influencers," according to the July 27 documents seen by Reuters.

Walmart currently works with influencers to promote its groceries and apparel, as well as its Walmart loyalty programme. Influencers often have large followings on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok and recommend products by posting affiliate links. They earn a commission when a customer uses the link to make a purchase.

Influencer marketing is expected to grow into a US$16.4 billion industry in 2022, according to media company Influencer Marketing Hub. Rivals Shopify and Amazon.com each have own social-media influencer services.

Companies file trademarks for many reasons and filings do not always lead to a company launching a new product or service. Walmart declined to comment on its plans for Walmart Creator and Walmart Creator Collective.

Walmart's third-party sellers can currently purchase ads from Walmart Connect, the retailer's digital advertising business. Walmart Connect raked in US$2 billion in revenue for its ad business last fiscal year, the company said during its February earnings call.-Fin24

Kommentaar

Republikein 2025-04-19

Geen kommentaar is op hierdie artikel gelaat nie

Meld asseblief aan om kommentaar te lewer