UPDATE: MegaFon, VimpelCom ask antitrust to allow Euroset split

(Adds VimpelCom to headline, lede, paragraph 3)

MOSCOW, Jul 14 (PRIME) -- Russian mobile operators MegaFon and VimpelCom have applied to the Federal Antimonopoly Service to allow them to split handset retailer Euroset, which they own on a parity basis, spokespeople for the mobile operators said on Friday.

“We’ve submitted the application today,” a MegaFon spokesperson said.

A VimpelCom spokesperson also said that the company had submitted an application to the antitrust authority.

The operators said on Wednesday that they had agreed that MegaFon will buy 50% in Euroset from VimpelCom to have 100%, and VimpelCom will buy half of the retailer’s stores. No deal estimates were mentioned.

The deal is subject to an approval by the antimonopoly regulator.

End