PRESS: Rostelecom could buy info security firm for 1 bln rbl by Jul

MOSCOW, Feb 7 (PRIME) -- Russian state-controlled telecom operator Rostelecom has started acquisition negotiations with Solar Security, a firm providing information security services, and could close a 1 billion ruble deal in April–June, RBC Daily reported on Wednesday, referring to several sources.

One of the sources said a preliminary agreement on the deal has been reached, and as details are settled, the matter will be put on the agenda of Rostelecom’s board of directors and could be closed by July.

Rostelecom and Solar Security declined to comment.

Alexander Chachava, a managing partner of venture fund LETA Capital, is aware of the talks and said that Rostelecom is interested in various communications, IT, and state services directions as it tries to diversify and enters all growing segments. Rostelecom plans to offer information security services as well, he said.

Solar Security “leads in some segments of the Russian market, for example, the company has one of the most successful commercial security operation centers,” monitoring and response to cyberthreats, Chachava said.

“But the Russian market is not quite liquid, this is why the purchase of Solar Security, if it takes place, could stand at about U.S. $20–25 million, I think,” he said.

(57.2196 rubles – U.S. $1)

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