Russian mobile major MTS eyes Gett taxi service

Russian mobile major MTS eyes Gett taxi service
MTS is in talk to acquire a stake in mobile taxi ordering service Gett but the two sides can't agree on a price / wiki
By bne IntelliNews June 18, 2019

One of Russia's "big four" mobile operators Mobile TeleSystems (MTS) is in talk to acquire a stake in mobile taxi ordering service Gett in RussiaKommersant daily reported cited unnamed sources. 

Reportedly, Gett also discussed a partnership with internet major Mail.ru, but could not settle on a price for the deal. Mail.ru reportedly valued Gett's Russian business at $150mn, while Gett saw the valuation at $450mn-600mn.

Another option included transferring Gett's business in Russia to Sberbank as part payment for an outstanding debt; according to previous reports in 2016 Sberbank granted the company $100mn loan.

Commenting on possible acquisition of Gett by MTS, BCS Global Markets wrote on June 18 that "in general, we do not think it makes sense for MTS to tie up with a taxi business, which requires significant investments and has no clear synergy with telecom business." BCS GM has a buy recommendation on MTS shares with target price of $10 per share and implied $18 upside.

Uralsib Capital on June 18 reminded that MTS already tried to enter online taxi market setting up MTS Taxi in 2017 jointly with Citimobil aggregator, but later shut down the project. The mobile operator is aiming to expand its digital services portfolio, such as acquisitions of Ticketland.ru and Cuture Services ticketing services, and YouDo freelance employment portal

MTS also reportedly considering buying Russia's leading online cinema ivi, but no details on the deal have yet followed.

The strategy of digital expansion is justified, but its "efficiency will depend on the quality of acquired assets and entry prices, while large-scale investments are risky," Uralsib warns. The analysts are alarmed by the persistent risk of delisting MTS ADRs in New York, but confirm a Buy recommendation for the shares.

MTS, an anchor asset of AFK Sistema multi-industry investment conglomerate, posted 14% year-on-year net profit growth for the first quarter of 2019. The bottom line was supported by organic growth, the consolidation of MTS Bank, and a real estate deal in Russia for an undisclosed amount.

Previously in the fourth quarter MTS posted solid results in both Russian and Ukraine, and pleased the market with dividend guidance promising over 10% dividend yield.

 

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