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SCMP Reporter

China Unicom yesterday tried to clear up the confusion surrounding the company being named as  part of a consortium that made a successful US$2.5 billion bid for Nigeria's former telecommunications monopoly.
In a filing to the Hong Kong stock exchange, the mainland's No2 mobile network operator said China Unicom (Europe) Operations, a wholly owned subsidiary based in Britain, had been approached but had never signed on to become a bidder in the now-muddled privatisation of Nigerian Telecommunications (Nitel).
Unicom Europe indicated its interest in proving technical and managerial support services related to the proposed privatisation,  it said. 
The subsidiary had also indicated that 'subject to certain conditions being fulfilled, it would be interested in exploring the possibility of equity investment in Nitel'.
However, it went on to say: 'As at the date of this announcement, Unicom Europe has not commenced any negotiations with the relevant parties with respect to any substantive and legally binding agreements.
'The company has not participated in any direct discussions  ... with any relevant parties involved in the proposed privatisation.' 
Unicom added that parent firm China United Network Communications Group has also informed the Hong Kong-listed company that 'it has not participated in any direct discussions or negotiations with any relevant parties involved'.
There was confusion  last Thursday when Unicom denied it was part of the successful bid for Nitel, contradicting a public announcement made by the Nigerian government.
Officials from the West African state had earlier declared the winning bidder, New Generation Telecommunications, comprised Unicom, Dubai-based Minerva Group and domestic firm GiCell Wireless. This group beat four others  to secure the right to buy a 75 per cent stake.
Following Unicom's denial last week,  companies in New Zealand and South Africa also denied they had taken part in the bidding. 
Unicom advised investors 'not to rely on any information concerning the company or any of its subsidiaries in relation to' the Nitel privatisation.



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